Gov. Sani harps on transparency, accountability

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani has reiterated his administration’s focus on transparency and accountability, noting that these principles are crucial to strengthening democracy and increasing public trust.
He asserted this during a strategic dialogue on the Kaduna State Mutual Accountability Framework (K-MAF) with the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) held in Kaduna.
The Governor, who was represented by the Head of Service, Hajiya Habiba Shekarau, assured that the state is committed to efficiently utilizing resources and improving revenue generation to fund development activities.
Speaking on the strategic dialogue, Gov Sani opined that the event is a critical platform to review the collaborative efforts between the Kaduna State Government and the FCDO in addressing poverty and improving access to essential social services.
He acknowledged the crucial role FCDO has played in supporting institutional reforms and service delivery in key sectors like governance, health, and education.
According to him, “The FCDO has been instrumental in bridging the funding gap in the Kaduna State Development Plan (SDP), despite challenges faced by donor countries.”
Sani also reiterated the government’s focus on transparency and accountability, noting that the principles guiding these values are crucial to strengthening democracy and increasing public trust.
He assured that the state is committed to efficiently utilizing resources and improving revenue generation to fund development activities.
He expressed gratitude for their continued partnership and emphasized his administration’s commitment to fostering private sector-led growth as a sustainable strategy to lift the people of Kaduna out of poverty.
He expressed gratitude for their continued partnership and emphasized his administration’s commitment to fostering private sector-led growth as a sustainable strategy to lift the people of Kaduna out of poverty.
He pointed to significant investments in physical infrastructure, health, education, and agriculture, which are aimed at building a healthy and productive population
According to him, in collaboration with development partners, the Kaduna State Government has been strengthening the capacity of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to ensure the efficient delivery of public goods and services, particularly to the poor and vulnerable.
He added that the K-MAF, a result of extensive consultation between the state government and FCDO programs, sets out strategies for managing resources to address the state’s development needs.
According to the governor, the framework will serve as a model for future stakeholder partnerships, ensuring that resources are maximized to enhance economic development and reduce poverty.
Sani also expressed hope that the framework would lead to resolutions that reaffirm and strengthen their commitment to achieving sustainable development outcomes in Kaduna State.
Earlier the FCDO Country Director, Cynthia Rowe, briefed the Kaduna State Government on the Mutual Accountability Framework between the state and the FCDO.
She appreciated the government for allowing the dialogue and expressed hope for meaningful discussions.
Rowe emphasized that Kaduna remains a priority for the FCDO despite security challenges and praised the state’s commitment to improving governance, particularly in areas like local government autonomy.
She highlighted Kaduna’s unique potential and the importance of the accountability framework in delivering services effectively.
The FCDO’s long-term commitment includes reviewing its office operations in Kaduna and reflecting on current realities.
Rowe commended the state’s budget town hall meetings and reaffirmed the strong UK-Kaduna partnership.