From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF in collaboration with the Benue state Government has inaugurated Steering And Technical Committees towards’ the elaboration of the 10 years Benue Development Plan 2025-2035.
Speaking on behalf of UNICEF, the Social Policy Specialist, UNICEF Nigeria Country Office, Sabastine Akongwale, said the inauguration of the steering committee and the Technical Working Group, would mark the beginning of a laudable process and path to inclusive and sustainable development of Benue state.
He commended the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia for his foresight in prioritizing evidence- based planning as a precursor to the implementation of policies and Programmes.
Akongwale said the 10 year development plan will also afford the Alia administration the opportunity to articulate its long term vision and agenda for the state into actionable programmes and policies with costed outlays and measurable.
He said by the plan, the state will also mainstream its development trajectory to the prevailing National Development Plan and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
While he noted that UNICEF has collaborated with Benue state government to improve the wellbeing of women and children, Akongwale pledged that “Beyond the support to developing the plan, we intent to support its implementation, monitoring and accountability to the people of Benue state.”
He called on all stakeholders across MDAs, traditional and religious groups, community representatives to ensure that the plan is implemented for the greater good of Benue state.
Inaugurating the committees in Government House Makurdi on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia explained that the current Benue Development Plan 2016 to 2025 is at the cusp of her extinction, as such the need to structure a process that will birth new development ideas going into 2025.
Governor Alia who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr Sam Ode, said the committee is responsible for the elaboration of the 10-year Benue Development Plan 2025-2035.
While acknowledging that planning is the cornerstone of sustainable development, Alia said the 10-year Benue Development Plan 2025-2035 to be reviewed and developed is not just a document but a visionary blueprint that will guide the state’s growth and development over the next decade.
“The design is to address our most pressing challenges, while leveraging on our unique strengths and opportunities.”
According to him, the committees have the roles of providing strategic oversight and ensuring that the development plan aligns with the overarching goals and aspirations of the state as well as conducting thorough analyses and providing the data-driven insights needed to shape the plan.
“Our 10-year development plan aims to achieve certain key objectives around seven priority pillars acronym as SACHIIP to represent Security of Lives and Property; Agriculture and Rural Development; Commerce and Industry; Human Capital and social Development; Infrastructure and Environment; Information & Communication Technology; Political and Economic Governance,” he said.
He appreciated UNICEF for graciously engaging a team of seasoned consultants to support the development process and urged members of the Committees to approach their responsibility with diligence, innovation, and a collaborative spirit.
The Director General, DG Benue State Budget and Economic Planning Commission, (BSBEPC), Professor Jerome Andohol appreciated the state government and UNICEF for the process and urged members to show commitment to duty as what they are asked to do is for the betterment of the entire state.
He assured the Committees of total support of the commission to enable them succeed in their assignment.
Responding on behalf of the committee members, the state Commissioner for Education, Rev Frederick Kyaan, commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for the upward development of the state and pledging that they would give in their best with all a sense of commitment and responsibility to the successful elaboration of the development plan.