Osun 2019 Budget : State Govt To Engage Stakeholders In Budget Development Plan

Osun 2019  Budget –  State Govt To Engage Stakeholders In Budget Development Plan

 The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget Development in Osun State, Doctor Olalekan Yunusa has said the state would involve relevant stakeholders in its 10-year (2018-2028) budget development preparations.

He said he would also implement policies that would drive economic growth and development in the state.

The Commissioner made this known on Tuesday in one-day validation meeting of the State Development Plan (2018-2028) and 2019 Budget Consultation Forum held in Ilesa, Osun.

” budget 2019 is about to commence and circular has been issued to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) and citizens of Osun to add to what should be given priority in its preparation.

The Commissioner said  members of the forum were invited to validate the state development plan which started in January at Iloko, Ijesa.

He said that month, development partners like UNDP, EU, DFID,UNICEF, civil societies, market men, women and labour union leaders, the media and others came together to formulate the state’s vision and mission by identifying people’s priorities.

Yunusa stressed that  the development plan was about the future of the people and has no relation to their association, political and socio- cultural affiliation.

According to him  development plan would center on infrastructure, economic, human capital development and environmental sustainability which would involve accurate data with the help of development partners.

Mr Yemi Ijidele, Project Cordinator, EU/World Bank Assisted State and Local Government Project Reforms (SLOGOR), lauded the commissioner for making the ministry comply with the recent global practice of budget planning and implementation which involve people.

Ijidele noted that there was need for more vibrant linkages between government policies and budgets which would reflect on their subjects.

He said citizens must have adequate knowledge on the way and manner budget was being prepared and also implemented .

Mrs Yetunde Esan, a Director in the ministry, in her paper presentation, called for promotion of sustainable development through pragmatic, transparent, accountable and inclusive governance.

Esan also called for the mobilization of both human and material resources towards making the state a socio- economic and cultural hub.

She harped on the need to diversify and enhance revenue base through provision of enabling business environment to attract and retain investors and expand existing businesses.

The  validation meeting have in attendance MDAs, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Media practitioners, market women and religious leaders among others .