The team of the recently launched United Nations Development Economic Revitalization Support Programme (UNDP), has visited Imo State government to ascertain the level of the program in the state. The program is geared toward improving the standard of living as well as impact the lives of the people positively.
The team members are Clare Henshaw (in charge of inclusive growth), Muyiwa Odele (environment and climate), Chinpihioi KiPgen (data, women and youth), Christain Okafor (peace building and conflict) and William Tsuma (Senior Advisor for Integrated Peace Building and Conflict Prevention).
The team conducted needs assessment in Imo State with key government functionaries across on social cohesion and security, economic inclusion, economic growth and environmental sustainability.
The team which adopted two flow response, accomplished the review and evaluation of development strides and progress accomplished by the state in the last 3-4 years, identification of existing gaps, challenges and development constraints across each thematic area per state, identification, selection and recommendation of critical development gaps in line with the UNDP’S strategic focus and finally, the outlining rationale for identified or selected interventions, include indicative budgets and assumptions on resources, potential achievements and beneficiaries.
Explaining further, the UNDP’s team informed the stakeholders that the needs assessment will be used to support each state to accelerate socio economic transformation by addressing economic growth opportunities, insecurity and conflict, gender inequalities and exclusion, environment and climate change interventions.
At the end of the discussion and deliberations, a diagnostic report detailing the key entry points, recommendations of proposed strategic intervention areas where UNDP can provide technical expertise, material and financial investment, a highlight of the crucial threats to sustainability, potential risks and recommendations to mitigate them and propose interventions under the three pillars, inclusive economic growth, environment and energy, conflict and security interventions in the state, were the outcome of the gathering.
The Governor’s Special Adviser on SDGs and Humanitarian Services, Princess Christina Ude who led the delegation to Government House, affirmed that the governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has been so much helpful in making sure the program records huge success.
One can recall during the launch of the program that the governor of Imo state, promised to partner with the SDGS office to make sure that the resources get to those who the program was designed for, that is the vulnerable in the rural areas.
Speaking at the occasion the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof Placid Njoku, commended the team while assuring them of the government continuous partnership.
Those spotted at the event include the Imo state Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Economy, Dr Doris Uzoka- Anite, the Executive Chairman of IMSUBEB, Her Excellency, Lady Dr Ada Okwuonu, Deputy Permanent Secretaries and Directors of Administration of Ministries in the state, Perm sec Irene Chima, Deputy Chief of staff Barrister Emeka Agbor amongst others.
