A non-governmental organization, Environmental Development and Family Health Organization (EDFHO) has tasked the Ekiti State Government with accountability and inclusivity in budget implementation in the state.
The civil society organization made this known through its Executive Director, Olu Ogunrotimi, during a two-day workshop on “Budget Monitoring and Tracking,” organized in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria for Civil Society Organizations, MDAs, and community representatives from three LGAs: Ilejemeje, Gbonyin, and Ekiti West.
Speaking with journalists, Ogunrotimi disclosed that the workshop aimed to spur participants to demand and monitor the progress of budget implementation in the state, especially as it affects community members and citizens.
On their expectations of participants, Ogunrotimi said, “We are expecting the participants to review the annual budget, ensure they participate in the development of the state budget, provide their input at the appropriate time, and ensure that their contributions are reflected in the state government’s budget.
“At the same time, during budget implementation, they must ensure that all allocations go to where they are supposed to go and monitor how they are being used.”
He further called on the state government to intensify efforts in the state’s budget with special focus on rural communities, ensuring they enjoy the dividends of tax contributions.
Similarly, the Local Rights Program Manager, ActionAid Nigeria, Kehinde Arowosegbe, emphasized the need for stakeholders and citizens to demand accountability and for the state government to incorporate inclusivity in budget drafting.
Arowosegbe stated that the training would help raise awareness within communities on budget matters.
He also anticipates that there will be increased accountability and inclusivity from the government regarding budget implementation in the state.
A highlight of day two of the training was a lecture by one of the resource persons, Mrs. Osamudiamen Owen-Akinwale, the Program Advisor of ActionAid Nigeria, on ‘Budget Analysis.’
She said that budget analysis equips communities to effectively engage with the government in a more informed manner, ensuring their demands are taken seriously.
