Abia SSG Promises Open and Responsible Use of Public Funds in 2027 Budget

The Secretary to the Abia State Government (SSG), Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, has reaffirmed the commitment of his office to transparency, accountability and prudent management of government resources.

Dr. Meribole stated this during the 2027 budget defence of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government at the State Planning Commission.

He said the Office of the SSG remained focused on supporting government policies and programmes that would produce meaningful results and improve the lives of the people of Abia State.

The SSG explained that his office, which comprises four bureaus and two agencies, is responsible for coordinating government policies and programmes to ensure effective implementation and overall development of the state.

According to him, the office is also working to strengthen leadership and capacity among young people and government officials.

Dr. Meribole highlighted the Abia Leadership Academy as one of the ongoing initiatives of his office. He said the programme was designed to equip young people with leadership skills and prepare them for future responsibilities.

He added that the Office of the SSG organised two capacity-building programmes for members of the State Executive Council in the previous year. He said the programmes were aimed at improving the effectiveness of the officials in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The SSG commended members of the budget committee for their dedication and efforts in preparing a comprehensive and well-packaged budget proposal.

He expressed optimism that the 2027 budget would contribute to moving Abia State closer to achieving the goals and targets of the state’s 25-year development plan.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Budget Committee and Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Kingsley Anosike, said the 2027 budget defence exercise would be different from previous ones, particularly in the presentation of proposals by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Anosike explained that all MDAs were expected to align their projects and programmes with the priority areas of the state government.

He further stressed the need for all ongoing projects that would not be completed in the current year to be captured in the 2027 budget.

The Commissioner said such ongoing projects should receive attention before new projects are considered, in order to ensure continuity and effective use of government resources.

By Ngozi Ndubueze

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