2025 Budget Will Reflect, Address Cross Riverians' Needs - SA Budget, Otu-Ita
By Ebi COLLINS
Cross River state government has expressed optimism that the effective participation of citizens in the preparation of the 2025 budget will aid the state to come out with a more inclusive budget document that reflects and addresses the teething needs and yearnings of the masses.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget, Monitoring and Evaluation, Comrade Otu Otu-Ita, who made the assertion, recently, at the Budget Consultative Forum for Southern Senatorial District, held at the conference hall of College of Health Technology Calabar, enjoined Cross Riverians to continue to support the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu, as well as participate in the budget process.
The Special Adviser commended the Otu-led administration for its public accountability and prudent management of the state's resources, adding that and the unprecedented improvement in the state internally generated revenue, which, he said, swelled up to about 19 billion as at June of 2024, puts Cross River in good stead to effectively implement its budget.
"When we carried out the second quarter budget performance review in June, we saw that the budget was performing optimally," he stated.
The Budget SA expressed optimism that in the 2025 financial year, Cross River will have enough revenue to carry out expenditure activities that will improve the well being of the people living in Cross River State.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Cross River Internal Revenue Service, Prince Edwin Okon expressed delight at Governor Otu's support and desire towards the implementation of the 2024 budget.
Okon said the Otu-led administration has made a significant difference in terms of budget implementation given the far-reaching policies, infrastructure development and health and agricultural programmes which, he maintained, have greatly launched the state on the trajectory of progress.
He assured Cross Riverians that revenue and financial agencies of government will continue to work in synergy to ensure that the present administration delivers its 'People First' agenda.
Articulating his views, former clerk of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Adie Akabisong, commended the Governor for opening up his leadership to people's participation, saying it is an eloquent testimony to his 'People First' agenda.
"The level of inclusion in this administration has been very high. It is something Cross Riverians have been longing for.
"This forum is giving the people the opportunity to lend a voice to the budget process of how income will be generated and tax payers monies spent for the betterment of the state.
Other critical stakeholders, notably, commissioners, budgeting and financial experts, civil society groups, and heads of government departments and agencies, took turns to articulate their views towards a budget that would be teething needs of the people.
The budget consultative forum drew participation from youth groups, civil society organizations, public and privated sectors.
