The Sokoto State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Mohammad Zayyana, says proper planning is a pre-requisite for achieving any policy and program of government.
He stated this while declaring open a two-day capacity strengthening workshop organized by his ministry in collaboration with UNICEF in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi state capital. He noted that this was what necessitated the training for planning, monitoring, and evaluation officers of different ministries, departments, and agencies to strengthen their capacity on planning, documentation, monitoring, and reporting for effective service delivery.
The Commissioner said the workshop came at a time when the state is in the process of developing its Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), State Development Plan (SDP), and the 2026 budget proposals.
Dr. Zayyana, appreciated the state Governor for supporting his ministry and UNICEF for its numerous interventions towards the development of the state. The State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Professor Ahmad Ladan Ala, described planning, monitoring, and evaluation officers of ministries, departments, and agencies as the backbone of the state’s growth and development.
Professor Ala emphasized the need for them to discharge their duties diligently through effective data collection, harmonization, and presentation to policymakers for the benefit of citizens.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Home Affairs, Alhaji Usman Arzika Bodinga, said the training would add value to decision-making in governance. He observed that it would enhance economic growth as well as improve societal well-being and service delivery in the state.
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Earlier, the Chief of Monitoring and Evaluation, UNICEF in Nigeria, Mr. Wayne Bacale, spoke on the objectives and expectations of the workshop, emphasizing the need for participants to actively share ideas and expertise during the session to achieve the desired objectives. The Chief M&E of UNICEF also reiterated their readiness to support the state in improving the lot of its citizens.
The Director of Planning of the State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Sani Abdullahi, and State Chairman of Civil Society Organizations, Comrade Bello Gwadabawa, appreciated the Commissioner of the Ministry and UNICEF for their commitment to enhancing productivity through series of capacity-building initiatives.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
