Town hall Meeting/Citizen's Engagement for Preparation of 2024 Budget ends.
This Year's Town Hall meeting and Engagement of Citizens in the Budget Process was at Precious Events Center, Makurdi.
Welcome Addresses
The Director General Benue State Planning Commission, Dr. Jerome Andohol, told the people that the consultation is a requirement from Nigeria Governor's Forum that seeks to establish trust from the People and know the specific needs of the people, using bottom to top approach.
Director of Budget- Dr. Aondowase Nyam, informed that all Strata of the society were invited for their inputs
The consultation and involvement of Citizens to partake in the budget process is such an assuring gesture.
3. united Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), through Ngozi onuora( a Nutrition Specialists) requested the government to: protect the rights of women and children; sign the State Policy on Food and Nutrition to overcome malnutrition in Benue State.
4. Forum of Directors General Service and Administration (DGSA) requested for rural infrastructure, health Care and portable water in villages.
5. Traditional institution, through Ter Kunav, Chief Nyiyongo Achiaku, asked Government to lessen the burden of taxation on the poor for ease of business in rural areas.
Not left out were People With Disabilities(PWD) who make up 10% of Benue Population, asked the government to Carter to their needs and decide which ministry will domicile activities of PWD.
In the end, the Deputy Governor promised to table all the concerns to the governor, who is a friend of the people
Importance of the Consultation
Dr Nyam said, citizens need to know how Government gets and spends taxes and other sourced funds.
The Governor of Benue State, representated by the Deputy Governor Sam Odeh assured the people that their Collective wisdom, talent, experiences and Voices will make the 2024 budget a powerful and inspiring pack that is capable of addressing the challenges of various communities and groups in the state.
Odeh was sad at the apathy of the people in the process, due to betrayal of trust by previous leadership and promised to rekindle their confidence. He also pledged that next time community consultations will be at the Senatorial District levels.
Inputs from the people :
1. Civil Society Organizations CSOs, advised the government to provide enough tractors and empower people in irrigation farming; establish processing capability; involve CSOs in all government Boards.
2. Nigeria Union of Journalists, Benue Council, Led by Vincent Nyinongo asked that Government should frequently present score cards to Journalists to inform the masses; pay Weigh-in Allowance to Information Officers; grant autonomy to Local Governments, be gracious to Journalists and curb insecurity.
There were tons upon tons of problems presented. Let's continue, just pay attention.
The next step will involve Budget defense by Ministries, Departments and Agencies.