Be Prudent in the Management of Resources-Ikpeazu

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state has challenged government ministries and agencies to always present realistic budgets by being prudent in the management of available resources in order to enable government to attain the set goals of improving the lives of the citizenry.

Ikpeazu gave the charge while flagging off the 2022 -2024 Multi-Year Budget Defense in Umuahia, called for concerted efforts to improve the State Internally Generated Revenue to cushion the effects of dwindling Statutory Allocation and increasing debt profile of the state 

Represented by his deputy, Hon Ude Oko Chukwu, Ikpeazu, pointed out that the theme of the Budget” Budget of Recovery Through Industrialization and Inclusive Growth “was chosen to demonstrate government commitment to economic recovery from the combined effects of Covid-19 pandemic, security crisis, safeguarding lives, jobs, businesses and industrial recovery.

He therefore urged the Budget Committee to be thorough in guiding MDAs in presenting a realistic budget that will accelerate economic development and well-being of the people of the State.

He described budgeting as a veritable tool fiscal policy instrument that enables government to plan and execute policies through proper analysis of needs in order to optimally utilize scarce resources.

Earlier, in her opening speech, the Permanent Secretary Abia State Planning Commission, Dr Nnenna Chikezie explained that the Budget Committee organized the workshop in order to enable all stakeholders in the preparation of the Budget in MDAs to present a realistic budget in line with the State Development Plan.

Chikezie submitted that a realistic budget would enable government to plan and execute policies that will have positive impact on citizens. 

She commended Ikpeazu for flagging off the 20222-2024 Budget and for the numerous developmental and infrastructural projects that has transformed the State, promising that the Committee would do a thorough job within the stipulated time.