In its bid for transparency and citizen engagement in planning, the Oyo state government has coopted the Civil Society Organisations and Non-governmental organisations in economic planning to coordinate better development partnership and value addition to good governance.
The commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Barrister Adeniyi Farinto during the maiden meeting with CSOs and NGOs held at the state secretariat said the ministry is engaging them to advise government in economic planning and budgetary allocations based on their field experience.
Farinto said the government wants to ensure an all-inclusive budget that cuts across all sectors and spheres of life is prepared to facilitate even development and equitable distribution of resources in all sectors.
The Commissioner asserts that CSOs are the voice of the people as they are not only close to the people but also interact with the grassroot across various walks, and can advice government from the position of information.
He said the state governments 20-year long development agenda is aimed at creating a master plan that will guide and drive a seamless development in line with internationally acceptable best practices and the CSOs are important in making the framework.
The Special Adviser to the governor on Economic Matters, Prof Musibau Babatunde said there is a paradigm shift in planning and budgeting because the reports and records are easily available and accessible, while making room for responsibility for action.
He noted that CSOs are the watchdog for government and are expected to hold government accountable, stating that this makes their inputs very important.
Earlier in her open remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Foluke Adebiyi said the purpose of the meeting is to ensure that the voice of the people is heard in government and to ensure that the process is sustainable beyond an administration.