STAKEHOLDERS URGE TO ENHANCE ACHIEVEMENT OF MDGs

STAKEHOLDERS URGE TO ENHANCE ACHIEVEMENT OF MDGs
A call has gone to key stakeholders in the implementation of the Local Government/ Conditional Grants Scheme to diligently supervise and contribute to the achievement of the 2015 Millennium Development Goals, in order to ensure the people maximally benefit the dividends of democracy.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on MDGs, Mr. Oladunjoye Oyewunmi gave the charge during a sensitization and interactive meeting held with six local governments involved in the implementation of the scheme.
At the meeting which was held at Idanre, Ondo West, Ilaje, Akoko South West, Owo and Odigbo local government, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor said it became necessary to provide information for the stakeholders and as well solicit support, stating that the projects executed  by the MDGs are critical elements in the development of health, education, rural development, so as to surpass the estimated target.
Describing the MDGs as a people oriented programme, he maintained that Ondo State has performed creditably beyond the 2015 target, which is the basic standard of international community, adding that the forum will afford the stakeholders the opportunity to know their expected roles in the implementation of the programme.
Oyewunmi said all projects slated for execution should be owned by the local government because these projects are expected to accelerate the achievement of the MDGs in the local government, stressing that the local government Chairmen in conjunction with other stakeholders should embrace supervisory role in order to ensure the projects are executed to specification before contractors get their final payment.
He therefore called on them to cooperate with the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Multilateral Relations, in order to give rise to an improved health, education, and access to basic necessities of life.
Speaking, the Secretary, Intergovernmental Affairs and Multilateral Relations, Mr. Gabriel Akinyemi, said the stakeholders have critical role of overseeing the affairs of parties involved in the execution of contracts due to the local government, stating that Ondo state is at the forefront in the delivery of MDGs and it is currently taking the lead in the area of health, education, among others.
He assured that the initiative will prepare them fully for the task ahead and the stakeholders must be aware of what to do and the need for proper evaluation of projects, noting that the meeting is a routine programme to ensure that no project is inappropriately executed or abandoned, as the CGS is a platform for achieving the MDGs.
He lauded the spirit of collective responsibility put in place by some local governments to ensure contracts are efficiently monitored, adding that the MDG remains committed to the implementation of projects that will benefit the people.
Speaking on behalf of the local government Chairmen, the Caretaker Chairman, Ondo West Local Government, Mr. Abiola Makinde, noted that adequate support should be given to projects executed and prevention of abandoned projects. He called on the contractors to ensure efficient delivery of service, stressing that it will be to the best interest of the people and capital involved.