United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has expressed satisfaction with the implementation of budget by the Administration of Gombe Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
The commendation was made by the Chief of UNICEF, Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Tushar Rane when he paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Jatau in his office on Thursday.
Tushar Rane who led officers of the Bauchi Field Office to Gombe State on validation of Gombe Public Expenditure Tracking Survey commended the State Government on the way budget provisions are being implemented and congratulated it on becoming first in the ease of doing business for two consecutive times in the country.
He explained that implementation of budget according to specifications is a testament to financial discipline and shows the commitment to the welfare of the needs of their people.
While receiving the UNICEF team in his office, the Deputy Governor, Manassah Daniel Jatau described the action of monitoring the implementation of assistance by Donor Agencies as the right thing to do to avoid misplacement of priority and diversion of funds.
According to him, ” I know about the assistance UNICEF is giving. It is only right that you monitor the implementation. We are aware of the sharp practices associated with donor services. If not checked it will result in donor doubts, donor fatigue and donor withdrawal”.
He added, “In Gombe, we monitor our activities to ensure they are done according to specifications. As students of system theory that believes everybody is important, we believe in involving everybody in every process.”
The Deputy Governor added, “We involve the Traditional Rulers, Community and Religious leaders, Women and Youths. Traditional Rulers are the ones that can break the cultural barriers among the difficult-to-reach-out-to Social groups. That is why we are succeeding.”
Manassah Jatau however appealed to the United Nations Donor Agencies such like UNICEF, WHO, and alike to give more attention towards assisting the developing countries in the area of pharmaceuticals and production of drugs by use of local herbs or plants within the environment, instead of depending on the importation of drugs thereby jeopardizing the lives save purpose of the sick people unattended to because they cannot afford the drugs.
“If research are conducted on local herbs which are abundantly available and being waste in our environment,it will ensure the supplus of drugs that can crash down the high prices of such products to enable the developing countries begin to export”, he added.
He said, “In the course of your assessment while on your visit to Gombe State, whatever grey and sharp areas do not hesitate to tell us. We are open to advice, observation and even criticism, so that we can sit up even as we meet the yearnings and aspiration of the people”.
The Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office was accompanied by Planning, Monitoring, and Report Specialist, Dr. Stanley Garba, Social Policy Specialist, Yusuf Auta, and Health Officer, Oluseyi Olusunde.
The Team was led by the Commissioner, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Alh. Salisu Baba Alkali in company of the Permanent Secretary, Alh. Jalo Ibrahim and Director Administration and Finance of the Ministry, Ruth Edward Baka.
The Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office, Mrs Larai Shehu Tula Yari, and Director, Administration, and Finance, Mr. Ishaku Ali Hamma were in attendance as contained in a statement by Jack A. Tasha, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity (Deputy Governor’s office).
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