The Benue State Government has initiated a town hall meeting to consider the details of its budget estimate for 2021.
The town hall meeting is part of measures to institutionalise prudence, transparency and accountability in the management of the State resources as a result of current global economic downturn.
The State Governor, Samuel Ortom formally declared the town hall meeting opened in Makurdi the State capital.
He said the move was to allow the people contribute their input into the document especially as regards their priorities and how to source for the funds.
Governor Ortom enjoined the participants drawn from the private sector, academia, trade unions, organised labour, disabled, market women and traditional institutions to make useful input that would be considered in the preparation of the 2021 budget.
He said that government would treat the engagement with all the seriousness it deserves.
Read Also: Ortom signs bill for establishment of medical, emergency rescue services into law
The State Deputy Governor, Benson Abounu said in the past, some items were captured in the budget that were not sustainable, pointing out that the involvement of the public in the budgeting process was a step in the right direction.
Delivering a keynote address, the Commissioner for Finance, David Olofu said the town hall meeting was designed with a view to making the budget process citizens driven.
Also speaking, the Director General of the State Budget and Planning Commission Sam Onum, said there will be opportunities for Benue people in the diaspora to also participate in the budgeting process as regards their priorities and areas of public interest.
Editor: Omor Bazuaye
