CITIZENS ENGAGEMENT AND CONSULTATION PROGRAMME – SOUTHERN ZONE
In Preparation for the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
The Citizens Engagement and Consultation Program for the Southern Zone, in preparation for the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, was successfully held.
The event had in attendance Royal Fathers, including:
His Majesty, Dr. Ishaku Adda Ali, the Aku Uka of Wukari, Chairman of the Taraba State Council of Chiefs and Emirs and President of the Wukari Traditional Council; Amb. Samvalla Varzola Shimbura, the Gara Donga; HRH Alhaji Abubakar Salihu Danbarau, Sarkin Ibi; HRH Emmanuel Kuti, Kwambai of Wukari; HRH Ando Madugu, Chief of Lissam; HRH Manu Wunukhen Emmanuel Masa-Ibi, Kun Cio of Gida Idi; HRH Manu Bala Aji Tahwan, Chief of Nwukyun Chiefdom; HRH Manu Isa Alasa, Tsiken of Chinkai; and HRH Kundi of Tsokundi, among others.
Other participants included the executive chairmen of the Wukari and Donga local government areas. The coordinator of Yangtu Development Area and also Community Development Officers (CDOs) representing each local government in the Southern Zone; representatives of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), religious leaders, youth leaders, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The program commenced with a courtesy visit to the Palace of His Majesty, the Aku Uka of Wukari, led by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Mr. Doglas Kasaba, who represented the executive governor of Taraba State and the Hon. Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning.
Immediately after the courtesy visit, the town hall meeting commenced at the Elizabeth Events Centre Wukari.
In his remarks, Mr. Douglas Kisaba appreciated the Royal Fathers and all participants for honoring the invitation. He stated that participants were carefully selected to make inputs into the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, with the aim of bringing progress and development not only to their communities but also to the state at large.
Dr. Gimbal Joshua, in presenting the objectives of the Citizens Engagement, said the purpose is to promote inclusive and participatory governance and to align the budget with the actual needs of the people. He reiterated that the 2027 budget is going to be “the budget of the people, by the people, and for the people.” He encouraged participants to discuss with open minds. Dr. Gimbal also highlighted some of the developmental projects executed and ongoing in the Southern Zone, including the renovation of Marmara Government Girls Secondary School Wukari; the construction of Wukari-Kente-Chinkai road; and the renovation and upgrading of the College of Health Technology, Takum, as well as interventions in security and free education, among others.
The presentation by the Jukun Cultural Dance Troupe added color and glamour to the event.
The program was brought to a close with remarks and a vote of thanks by the Director of Planning, Department of Budget and Economic Planning, Ministry of Finance, Jalingo.
Suzan Francis.
PRO,
Budget and Economic Planning, Ministry of Finance, Jalingo.
