The Southern Nigerian state of Osun has been ranked as one of the most outstanding states in implementation of developmental projects, especially those funded by international donors.
This was the submission of the International Economic Relations Department of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, during an inspection of donor-funded projects across the state.
In an interactive session with stakeholders and government agencies after the inspection, the head of the delegation, Mr Fagbade Olalekan, said the monitoring and evaluation exercise became necessary to ensure that standards are adhered to.
He expressed satisfaction at the level of compliance to specifications as laid down by the donors, stressing that the government of Osun has demonstrated an uncommon transparency and accountability in the implementation of the projects.
“Having gone round the state to see for ourselves the various projects that were implemented through funds from donor organisations and counterpart funds from the state, I can say that we are very satisfied with what we have seen.
“It has been on record that Osun State is one of the states of the Federation that have been faithful to the implementation of donor-funded projects. We are not surprised that the state has again demonstrated the zeal to give the best to the masses.
“All the donor intervention projects that we have seen in Osun within the last two days of our inspection duties are fantastic. This is how it should be done and we are excited, basically for two major reasons: our job was made easy and secondly we are happy with what we saw”, Fagbade stated.
Prudent and accountable
The state Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Professor Olalekan Yinusa gave assurance that Osun state would continue to put the interest of the people first and would never compromise standards for any reason.
Yinusa, described Governor Adegboyega Oyetola as a leader who frowns at anything short of standard, saying the disposition of Oyetola has made it a necessity for stakeholders and various agencies of government to be prudent and accountable in their dealings.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Rafiu Isamotu, assured the delegation that the health delivery standards met at all the health facilities visited would be maintained.
Projects visited during the two-day working visit include: RAMP II projects, the Save One Million Lives Project, Ilesa Water Supply and Sanitation project among others.
Lateefah Ibrahim
