The Ogun State Ministry of Budget and Planning has engaged Local Government stakeholders across the State, to acquaint them with the work plan of the Human Capital Development Programme (HCDP), strategise on mainstreaming the policy into their Council Development plan for its successful implementation.
The HCDP is a Federal Government policy designed to address poverty, while ensuring participatory and sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at the event in Abeokuta, Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, said the engagement was to sensitise the top officials and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Local Government on the efforts of the Core Working Group and interventions of the HCDP in the State, towards building the capacities of the people at the grassroots.
Olabimtan, in a statement made available to newsmen by his Press Officers, Mr. Kehinde Balogun & Mrs. Kofoworola Idowu, added that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration had embraced an all-inclusive style of governance, which was a clear indication that the HDPC policy allows for quality and increased people’s participation in the key sector of the economy, which are Health, Education and Labour force.
The Commissioner emphasised the need for government at all levels to invest in the capacity of the next generation, saying “for a nation to progress towards development, all the citizens must be healthy, educated and be able to participate actively in the labour force”.
He urged the stakeholders to come up with workable solutions in their respective council and ensure harmonisation of the interventions into the Medium-Term Sector Strategy (MTSS),and year 2023 Budget for effective implementation and successful outcome of the policy.
On his part, the HCDP South West Consultant, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju said the next step was to map out stakeholders in the State, to enhance advocacy on the inherent benefits of the policy, explaining that NGOs would be involved as independent monitors for the smooth implementation of the Programme.
Responding on behalf other participants, the Head of Local Government Administration, Ijebu-Ode, Engr. Olanike Ogunbona appreciated the present government for the sensitisation, and pledged their unalloyed support.
