The federal government has charged the various regional development commissions in the country to work towards an equitable and sustainable development that leaves no citizen behind.
The Minister of Regional Development, Mr Abubakar Momoh,gave the charge at a three day retreat for the Ministry and regional development commissions, taking place in Benin-City, Edo state capital.
The three day retreat with the theme generating fresh ideas to unlock the potentials of the regions, brought together participants from the seven regional development commissions, and the ministry of regional development to brainstorm on ways to achieve the ministry’s mandate.
In a keynote address, the Minister of Regional Development, Mr Abubakar Momoh explained that achieving an equitable and sustainable development that leaves no one behind, forms part of the delivery points of the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He noted that one of the recurring challenges the ministry faces was duplication of efforts, uncompleted projects, and interagency rivalry, which he demanded must stop.
According to him, “a key expected outcome from this retreat is a framework for national coordination of regional development that will harmonise project planning, funding, implementation, and reporting across the commissions”
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Regional Development, Dr Mary Ogbe explained that the retreat had been carefully designed to serve several critical purposes including strengthening the institutional synergy between the Ministry and regional development commissions, the national assembly and development partners.
Dr Ogbe noted that “the retreat is designed to enhance policy implementation by equipping the leaders of the regional development commissions with the knowledge, frameworks and tools they need to perform their mandate effectively”.
Edo state Governor, Mr Monday Okpebholo represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr Dennis Idahosa, while welcoming the participants to Edo State, urged them to work together to achieve the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Mr Idahosa emphasized that “at this point in our history when Nigeria’s development path have been uneven, fresh ideas become incumbent to address these challenges, where some regions boast of modern infrastructure, and others are lagging behind”.
There were paper presentations on understanding public procurement:procedures, procurement methods, procedures abs approval thresholds by the chairman FCT Civil service commission, and the institutional framework for appointment, promotion and discipline in the public service: a guide to regional development commissions, by Professor Tunji Olaopa.
There were also goodwill messages from the chairman Senate committe on Regional Development, Senator Jide Ipinsagba, Chairman, House Committee on regional development, Mr Eugene Dibiagu, and the member representing Esan West, Esan Central and Igueben federal Constituency, Mr Marcus Onobun.
