By Maureen Agbala
Anambra State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake has said that Governor Charles Soludo is committed to Open Government Partnership (OGP) hence his zeal to do things differently.
The commissioner said this during the finalization and validation of the Second State Action Plan (SAP2) organized by the ministry in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
She reassured of the commitment of the state government towards open, transparent accountable and inclusive governance.
“Governor Soludo who is an advocate of transparency and accountability will do everything to ensure that OGP works in the State,” she said.
The commissioner was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Chinyere Nwabachili at the event.
The focal person of OGP in the State, Mrs. Ogochukwu Orji said that the state’s good performance in the implementation of the OGP SAP 1, attested that Anambra has done well.
She noted that the finalization and validation of SAP 2 were preceded by many activities and technical sessions.
While explaining that the plan would still go through some more processes before it becomes a public document citing the reflection of the SAP 1 in the governance system and different sectors of the State she expressed optimism that the newly validated SAP 2 would be more optimally implemented.
“It would also augment and build on the successes of the first SAP, all with the central aim of improving transparency, accountability, inclusiveness and responsiveness in governance.
The commissioner explained that the objective of the workshop was to identify other thematic areas including accountability, inclusiveness, transparency, citizens’ engagement and technology advancement.
“We intend to roll them over to SAP 2 so as to maintain that Ndi Anambra remain the primary beneficiaries of OGP.”
She advised the state government to key into the global platform already signed up to by some countries including Nigeria.
“OGP opens a state to international stage for foreign direct investment and intervention funds.”
She, however, expressed delight over the commitment so far demonstrated by the state government towards OGP saying, “it is a signal that the government is determined to change the narrative.
“Today we can see the political will on the part of Anambra State Government to do things differently and rightly. That’s the primary essence of OGP so that the citizens will be part of what government is doing and be able to hold it accountable”.
She emphasize that the civil society and the media, as critical stakeholders in OGP, have great roles in assessing information about government activities and holding government accountable for the masses.
The Co-chairman of OGP in the state, Prince Chris Azor highlighted some of the successes and testimonies that trailed the implementation of SAP 1 in the state.
“These include, the commencement of open and participatory budget system, e-procurement, creation of disability rights commission and disability laws, as well as improved transparency level among others.
“Despite all these, there is still need for more improvement in some other key areas for urgent intervention such as erosion, flooding and waste management challenges, hence the creation of the SAP 2 as a follow-up to SAP 1.”
The representative of UNICEF, Juliet Chiluwe, congratulated the Anambra State OGP for the milestones of achievements so far, especially in the articulation and validation of the SAP 2, while also reassuring of the Agency’s eagerness to partner and contribute to the implementation of the action plan.
Maureen Agbala is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
