The Ebonyi State Government, through its Ministry of Budget, Planning, Research and Monitoring, successfully organized the 2025 Citizens Budget Presentation on Wednesday, April 17, in Abakaliki. The event marked a significant step toward institutionalizing inclusive governance and deepening citizen engagement in budget processes.
Present at the event were representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs), traditional and religious leaders, and key government officials, all holding copies of the “Ebonyi State Citizens Budget 2025.” The session provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review and discuss the state’s fiscal priorities, while recognizing the importance of community-driven planning through the Community Charter of Demand (CCD).
The Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Chief Mrs. Chinwe Okah, led the presentation and was joined by other notable figures in the state administration. The initiative has been praised for sustaining citizen-focused budgeting, even beyond the support of development partners.
Observers at the event commended the government for demonstrating transparency and continuity in governance. One CSO participant noted that, “the consistent dissemination of both soft and hard copies of the citizens’ budget fosters trust and accountability between the government and the people.”
The event also highlighted the sustainability of the process, with Ebonyi State now independently running the intervention without reliance on external partners—an indicator of policy ownership and maturity in subnational governance.
Stakeholders have encouraged the state government to maintain the annual citizens budget engagement, viewing it as a model for participatory democracy and a tool for aligning development with the real needs of communities.
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