The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has commended the Imo Government for continuing to support the Economic Revitalisation Support Programme in order to improve the well-being of its citizens.
The commendation was made by a UNDP delegation during a visit to the state on Wednesday to assess the program’s progress and implementation.
Mr Clare Henshaw, the delegation’s Spokesperson, stated in a speech that they were impressed with the level of government commitment to the program.
According to Henshaw, the program is aimed at raising people’s living standards and positively impacting their lives.
According to the Nigerian News Agency (NAN), the team, led by top government officials, conducted a needs assessment on social cohesion and security, economic inclusion, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
Henshaw stated that they used a two-way response approach to review and evaluate the state’s development strides and progress over the last three years.
He added that the visit also aimed to identify existing gaps, challenges, and development constraints in each state.
He stated that at the end of the process, the team would make recommendations on critical development gaps in accordance with the UNDP’s strategic focus.
He stated that, given the level of government commitment to the program, the group was confident that the project had produced results in the state.
“The needs assessment will be used to assist each state in accelerating socioeconomic transformation by addressing economic growth opportunities, insecurity, gender disparities, and climate change interventions.”
“At the end of the assessment, a diagnostic report will be issued detailing the key entry points, recommendations of proposed strategic intervention areas, where UNDP can provide technical expertise, material and financial investment,” he said.
Henshaw also stated that the team would highlight critical threats to sustainability, potential risks, and mitigation recommendations, as well as propose interventions under the three pillars.
In a brief statement, Deputy Governor Placid Njoku praised UNDP for the program, adding that the government would do more to ensure its long-term viability.
Mrs Christine Ude, Special Adviser to Gov. Hope Uzodimma on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Humanitarian Services, stated that the governor would continue to create an enabling environment for the program to thrive in Imo.
“I can confirm that the governor has been extremely helpful in ensuring that the program is a huge success.”
“At the program’s inception, the governor promised to work with the SDG Office to ensure that program resources reached the most vulnerable people in rural communities.”