Anambra Govt, UNICEF Partner on Open Government Action Plan

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The Anambra State government and United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have partnered to launch the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Action Plan Two in the state.

The launch which is aimed at bringing openness and transparency to government’s use of public funds, and also to carry the citizens along, took place yesterday in Awka, the state capital.

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake who declared the event open, said the whole essence of the launch was to prove the administration’s commitment to transparency.
She said, “We are partnering with relevant agencies and civil society organisations to deliver transparent and accountable governance for the benefit of the people of the state.

“The vision of making Anambra a destination point in Nigeria can only be achieved through their effective collaboration, so this open government partnership will enable the people to participate in the governance process in the state.”
In her welcome address, the State OGP Focal Person, Mrs. Ogochukwu Orji, outlined the processes undertaken to realise the dream of establishing the OGP action plan in Anambra, commending Governor Chukwuma Soludo for supporting the programme in the state.

Representatives of UNICEF in the South-east region, Mr. Atthawood Op-Sankharat, noted that the selection of Anambra was significant because the state is synonymous with reforms. He praised the governor for providing an enabling environment for the programme in the state.

The programme drew participants from ministries, development agencies, private sectors, civil society organisations, and the media.

The programme also witnessed the unveiling of Solution Lens, an interactive internet-based platform that allows citizens to interact with government, monitor projects in their localities and also make suggestions about projects that will create impact.