History was made in the Ebonyi State budget process on Monday 23rd March 2027, following the official launching of the recently developed Ebonyi State Administrative Strategy for Citizens’ Engagement and Participation in Budget Processes.
Speaking at the official launch of the document which was developed by Development and Integrity Intervention Goal (DIG) Foundation in collaboration with relevant stakeholders through support from the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, the State Commissioner for Budget, Planning, Research and Monitoring, Mrs. Deborah Chinwe Oka described the document as a significant milestone in the collective journey towards strengthening good governance, transparency, and inclusive development in Ebonyi State.
Represented by the permanent secretary of the Ministry, Lady Rose Ugwuoma Ibeh the Commissioner said the strategy is not just a document, but a practical framework designed to institutionalise, consolidate, and sustain reform initiatives that place citizens at the centre of governance.
"As a government, we recognise that effective budgeting is not merely a technical exercise, but a social contract between the state and its people. This strategy therefore creates a structured and sustainable mechanism for citizens’ voices to be heard, respected, and reflected in our planning, budgeting, and monitoring processes. It is a vital step towards fulfilling the People’s Charter of Needs and ensuring that public resources are aligned with the priorities of our people.
"This achievement is the result of strong collaboration and shared commitment. I wish to sincerely commend the Development Initiative Group (DIG) Foundation and the Technical Committee for their dedication, professionalism, and expertise in coming up with this comprehensive and forward-looking strategy document."
She commended all those who worked tirelessly to ensure the realization of the strategy document
"I also extend special appreciation to the staff of the Ministry of budget, research and monitoring in collaboration with the ministry of Finance for its partnership, collaboration and support, and for providing leadership and coordination throughout this process. Furthermore, we deeply acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), whose advocacy, technical inputs, and grassroots engagement have enriched this strategy and ensured it reflects the aspirations of our citizens."
The Commissioner assured that the official launching of the document marks the beginning of more inclusive budget process in the State
"This launch is not the end, but the beginning of a more inclusive and participatory governance process. It calls on all stakeholders-government institutions, civil society, private sector actors, and citizens—to take ownership of this framework and work collectively towards its effective implementation.
"Let us remain committed to ensuring that this strategy becomes a living instrument that drives accountability, enhances service delivery, and strengthens public trust in government.
"Together, we can build a more transparent, responsive, and people-oriented budgeting system that delivers real impact and improves the lives of all Ebonyi citizens.
Today a history is made and written in a golden pen to a document that speaks to the Ebonyi budget today 23rd March 2026. To God be the glory of the great things he has done" she concluded.
On his part, the Executive Director of DIG Foundation, Chief Oliver Ajah Chima gave background information on the processes that gave birth to the document.
According to him; "Over the years, DIG and other Civil Society Organizations in Ebonyi State has been partnering and engaging with Ministry of Budget to foster citizens participation in the budget process. The world bank State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) program and Open Government Partnership (OGP) contributed a lot in enhancing citizens engagement in Ebonyi State. The USAID State2State project further helped to breed crops of individual reformers in Ebonyi State who believed in citizen participation and engagement.
"Presently we are consolidating citizens engagement in line with the present administration People’s Charter of Needs Mantra supported by current leadership of Ministry of Budget, Planning, Research and Monitoring led by Hon Commissioner Mrs. Chinwe Okah, P S, Lady Rose Ugwuma Ibe, and other top officials who also subscribe to citizens engagement, hence the launching of this strategy document.
Giving insight on why the document was necessary, Chief Oliver said the lack of sustainable strategy for institutionalizing citizens engagement and participation across relevant Ministries Departments and Agencies led to the birth of the strategy framework.
"Before now, there was no framework for citizens engagement and participation in Ebonyi State, Citizens were at the mercy of various MDAs to participate in their budget process. No documented evidence of steps for such engagement."
He explained that the Project aims to contribute in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) number 16 by improving citizens engagement and participation in Local Governance in Nigeria through development of citizens engagement and participation strategy in Ebonyi State.
"The Project objective is to
Contribute in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) number 16 by Improving citizens engagement and participation in Local Governance in Nigeria through development of citizens engagement and participation strategy for Ebonyi State.
"Consolidate on Community Charter of Demand (CCD) process thereby deepening community participation in the budget process. The project is geared towards Consolidation, Institutionalization and Sustainability of all reform initiatives which are in line with the ‘People’s Charter of Needs’ Mantra of present Ebonyi State Government under the leadership Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru," he stated.
On his part, the project Consultant, Dr. Ibiam Azu explained that the project has much interest in the Journey to self-reliance, thus, the move to consolidate, institutionalize and sustain Citizen Engagement and Participation through the strategy document. He adds that DIG has identified all stakeholders present as allies and supporters to sustain the project and help it achieve it's aims and objectives
"Existing community-based associations and CSOs networks in Ebonyi State are encouraged to take advantage of this by ensuring community participate in the budget process through harvesting and inclusion of prioritized needs of the community into state and LGA budget."
In their goodwill messages, the Special Assistant to Ebonyi State Governor on Community Engagement, Hon. Paulinus Nwanchor, his counterpart in Youth Mobilization, Hon. Geoffrey Agbee, Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Finance and economic development, Mrs. Williamson Nfon, a traditional Ruler, HRH Eze Sunday Oketa, president General of the Association of Town Union presidents among others thanked DIG Foundation, Ministries of MBPRM, Finance and economic development, CSOs and other stakeholders who made the document possible. They pledged their commitment to mobilizing citizens and communities to make use of the strategy for proper inclusiveness in government budgets and projects.
The launch which was held at De-Rossi Hotel Abakaliki attracted participants from all the LGAs in Ebonyi State, Relevant stakeholders in communities and budget processes, CSOs and the media.
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