The 2021 budget defence by government ministries, department and Agencies (MDAs) in Anambra state commenced yesterday at the State House of Assembly Complex, in Awka in line with the resolution of the House to pass the 2021 appropriation bill before the end of November, 2021.
During the exercise, the Ministry of Economic Planning, Finance, Transport, Environment, and Education, appeared before the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation and defended their 2021 budget estimate with the committee expressing satisfaction with their defence performance.
In his remarks, the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Honourable Obinna Emeneka, explained that the process provides the platform for government organs to give account of their 2020 budget performance and justify whatever fund they are asking for 2021 budget.
Emeneka, who represent Anambra East State Constituency, added that the observations made by the committee will form their decision during collation process of the budget, assuring Ndi Anambra of a realistic budget that will meet their expected needs despite the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic and the EndSARS lockdowns.
The Committee also lauded the media for discharging its public enlightenment service exceedingly well in the state.
The State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Mike Okoye, Commissioner Education, Prof. Kate Omenugha and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Dr. Emmanuel Okafor, on their brief remarks,
emphasized that their various Ministries has rebranded Anambra State which made it synonymous with excellence by always informing the people about what is going on in the state and using their feedback to inform government of their needs, expectations and requirements which had enabled the state to achieve excellence in all sector of the economic, especially Security and the workers welfare.
In his remark, one of the committee member and the Lawmaker representing Ogbaru 1 state constituency, Honourable Noble Igwe,(PDP), commended the Ministries for projecting the on -going development revolution in Anambra State and urged them to utilize the money allocated to their various Ministries for the interest of the people.