GOVERNORS TASKED ON IDEAS TO BOOST INTERNALLY GENERATED REVENUE, PEOPLE ORIENTED PROGRAMMES
GOVERNORS TASKED ON IDEAS TO BOOST INTERNALLY GENERATED REVENUE, PEOPLE ORIENTED PROGRAMMES
The array of resource persons at the induction for returning and newly elected state governors have admonished them to be innovative about ideas that can boost the fortunes of their states through improvement in internally generated revenue (IGR) and people oriented programmes.
Speaking on the first day of the induction at the presidential villa, Abuja, with the theme “Governing for Impact: Building Sub-national Governance”, the speakers challenged the governors to ensure avoidance of the pitfalls of previous administrations in delivering their dividend of democracy.
The Director-General, World Trade Organization (WTO, former minister of finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told the governors to be conscious of their debt profiles and create strategies that will improve the level of their internally generated revenue hand in hand with federal allocation which has proved not sufficient to meet the needs of their states.
She emphasised that the significant responsibility of state requires them to be prudent in their expenditures and ensure that teachers, healthcare workers, and pensioners receive their entitlements.
She advised them to put in place measures to attract Nigerians who left the country in frustration and search for greener pastures, adding that businesses, like the tech startups, will struggle to thrive if there is continuous loss of so many most skilled young people to emigration.
On his part, former governor of Niger state, Babangida Aliyu called on incoming governors to prioritise people’s welfare, irrespective of political affiliations.
“Let’s work diligently, so that after our tenure, people will come back and say you did well. To have elected you, it means the people chose you as their servant. Every time, do what your conscience and the law say you should do.”
He warned against the danger of personalising power at expense of the people saying that they are governors today does not mean that they are the best.
“Get something to do to augment your income. Don’t be the type that will always be at home. Be active and don’t allow your brain or physical body to go down.” he said
The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, Ms Amina Mohammed pointed out that the failure of governance has increased peoples’ resentment towards government officials and the elites.
She said that the only way to build a more cohesive nation and a more harmonious world is to deliver “better services, better opportunities, better safety, better government and a healthier environment.”
The special guest of honour and keynote speaker, President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by his Chief of staff, Prof Ibrahim Gambari challenged the governors to match their campaign promises with the necessary actions in their various states.
He stressed that the electorate have become wiser and would vote out leaders who do not perform what is expected of them.
Several resource persons for the induction programme were invited from various parts of the world from among heads of governments, members of the diplomatic corps, captains of industry, development partners and other categories of guests who have accomplished and distinguished history of service to their people to inspire the governors in balancing their campaign promises with the necessary actions for successes in their various domains.
