Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state Monday held a town hall meeting with stakeholders to enable the state produce people oriented 2021 budget.
The meeting, the governor said, will afford the people of the state the opportunity to make input and tell the state government their specific needs as it affects their communities, to enable it include such needs in the budget.
He said the decision to hold the meeting was also in line with recommendations of the World Bank and other development organisations.
He said it was a major opportunity for the people to pour out their heart on what they need the state government to do for them.
“This is a major opportunity to make a direct input into the budgeting process. We as a government are treating the engagement with all the seriousness it deserves.
“l have directed the responsible officials to document all contributions and integrate into the budget process to the make it feasible.
“A report of the meeting will also be compiled and published, along with an update on how the contributions from the participants have been integrated.
“You can therefore be confident that your voices will be heard and that the 2021 budget will reflect our collective aspirations for our state,” he added.
He urged all participants to take the Town Hall meeting serious, noting that his government is willing to do things that will better the lives of the Benue people.
