CALABAR – The Cross River State Government (CRSG) has embarked on a step towards enhancing the capacity of its planning officers by organizing a two-day capacity-building training. This event, which took place on 22nd and 23rd July at the Women Development Centre in Calabar, marks the first training of this nature in over eight years NEGROIDHAVEN
The training, facilitated by the Commission’s consultant Professor Ndem Ayara, aimed to equip Planning Research and Statistics (PRS) Officers with the necessary skills for strategic action planning.
In his address, the Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the State Planning Commission, Bong Duke, expressed his gratitude to the Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, for his dedication to improving the state’s civil service for optimal service delivery. He noted the importance of planning in achieving sustained economic and social growth, emphasizing the need for skilled planning officers.
“It is often said, ‘If you fail to plan, you have planned to fail.’ Cross River State cannot afford to fail again. Thus, the capacity of our planning officers must be built,” Mr. Duke stated. He urged the officers to focus during the training sessions as they would be responsible for profiling the mandates, visions, missions, objectives, and initiatives of their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
During his training, Professor Ndem Ayara, stressed the importance of aligning the state’s budget with a comprehensive plan. “If we continue to play games around the budget, we will mismanage state resources. Budgeting without a plan is reckless,” Professor Ayara warned. He emphasized the need for scrutiny to ensure consistency between the state’s plans and budget.
The Permanent Secretary of the State Planning Commission, Mrs. Mbong Atu Ausaja, highlighted the importance of integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the plans of various MDAs.
Participants expressed their gratitude for the training, noting that it would significantly boost their capacity. They also requested the commission to provide an enabling working environment and necessary tools to enhance their performance.
In attendance were the commission members, the permanent secretary, PRS Officers and members of the press.
