The Abia State government has declared interest for partners that will promote the socio-political and economic development of the state.
The commissioner for Environment, Mr Philemon Ogbonna, dropped the hint during an engagement meeting and training of civil society organizations CSOs by National Coordinator of United Nations Development Programme for Global Environmental Facility for Small Grants Programme
( UNDP- GEF- SGP) Nigeria, held at Aguiyi conference center Umuahia.
Ogbonna maintained that the present administration is open to ideas that will ensure climate change adaptation and mitigation projects to improve livelihood.
The Commissioner explained that the Dr Alex Otti administration is prudent and transparent in its activities, assuring that every kobo release for the project will be put to good use and properly accounted for.
Mr Ogbonna said the state has carefully selected locals comprising women, groups of NGOs, CSO’s disability cluster, and vulnerable groups of youths spread across the 184 wards of the state for the important assessment and interaction.
The commissioner urged the participants to pay attention to the training and use the opportunity to bring up their climate challenges for possible solutions.
Also speaking the commissioner for Budget and planning Mr Kingsley Anosike maintained that the present administration is out for serious business of implementing programs and policies that will impact positively the living standards of the people, as evident in what the government is already doing in all sectors of the state economy
Mr Anosike challenged the participants to align themselves with the new Abia’s first mantra and to shun personal interest.
Contributing as the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on intervention and strategy, the Rev Fr Christian Anokwuru described the program as what while and reiterated the commitment of the state to accountability and diligent service.
In her address, the UNDP representative, Mrs lbironke Olubamise, said that this is the first time the state is keying into the process and extolled the openness and passion of the state towards the program.
She explained that GEF SGP Nigeria, implemented by UNDP, provides grants and technical support to poor, vulnerable communities and implements local environmental initiatives that enhance livelihoods, among others.
The two-day program is being attended by stakeholders in environmental matters including the SSA on Environment Professor Ijeoma Iheukwumere, SA on Disabilities Mr. David Anyamele, SA on budget and planning Dr. Eric Egwuibe , permanent Secretary Ministry of Environment Mr. Ikechukwu Chidozie Oriuwa, SA on climate change Ms Esther Chioma Aja among others.
