By; MKPUMA ENYINNA, Abakaliki
The National Development Planners from the 36 states of Nigeria have converged in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State to brainstorm on economic challenges of this country and also to devise solution to achieving economic growth and development.
The ongoing 21st edition of the Joint Planning Board (JPB) meeting taking place at the new EXCO Chambers, Centenary City, Abakaliki since Wednesday April 6, 2022, was attended by permanent secretaries, 36 states commissioners of finance across the federation, budget planners, donor agencies, resource persons, private sector, directors and deputy directors from the budget and national planning arm of the Federal Ministry of Finance, amongst others were in attendance.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Mrs.Olusola Idowu while welcoming the participants stated that the discourse will seek ways of addressing Nigeria’s development planning challenges in order to have a sustainable development.
“These challenges include: weak economic decisions, policy inconsistency, monocultural dependence on oil, among others.
“Leaders and followers should collaborate in achieving sustainable national development through accountability and good governance.
Mrs. Idowu further urged the stakeholders, to consider the economic realities facing the country while proffering solutions to national development planning challenges and other critical issues affecting the economic growth of this country.
“I commend Governor. David Umahi of Ebonyi State for delivering democratic dividends to Ebonyi people through the provision of quality infrastructure, education, among others.
“I also commend the state commissioner for finance and economic development, the permanent secretary of the ministry among others for ensuring the effective implementation of the government’s economic policies,” she said.
Responding, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi while welcoming the participants, appreciated them for converging on Ebonyi State for such auspicious meeting, stating that Ebonyi State Government will give full support to ensure smooth and successful deliberations.
The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Eric Kelechi Igwe, also wished them success as they engage in technical discussions that will champion economic growth and national planning which shall have positive results in the lives of Nigerians.
“I am delighted to see relevant officials of the federal government, commissioners for finance, budget, development partners among others in the Ebonyi and this is a positive development for the state.
“We wish you success as you engage in technical discussions geared towards achieving optimum approach to increase the nation’s economic planning process.
“The theme for this year’s discourse is, “Good Governance and Institutional Capacity: Pathways to Sustainable National Development.The discourse is expected to be declared closed tomorrow, Friday by the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof.Yemi Osibanjo,” he said.
