Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called for collaboration between states and the federal government, as the country seeks way out of the current economic realities.
Adeleke, who spoke in Osogbo on Thursday, at the closing session of the 22nd edition of the National Council on Development Planning meeting, hosted by Osun, said unity would enable the country to chart a course for sustainable and inclusive growth for Nigerians.
According to him, the opportunity that being the leader of the administration that would host such a gathering since the creation of the state, has provided a good platform to further strengthen Osun’s partnership with the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning which the government would leverage to engage with development partners for more benefits.
He said,
“The theme of this year’s meetings, ‘Imperatives for Restoring Nigeria on the Path of Sustainable Economic Growth and Development,’ couldn’t be timelier.
“As we navigate through the evolving economic landscape, it is crucial that we come together to chart a course that ensures not only growth but sustainability and inclusivity for all Nigerians.”
Speaking earlier, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, emphasised the importance of planning to economic prosperity and called for constitutional provision for a joint planning board between the state and local governments for effective planning.
Bagudu, who further highlighted the importance of the interface between commissioners of the states and heads of state’s economic planning administration and that of the national level to create a meaningful resolutions for the National Economic Council, added that most economic issues relate to planning.
He subsequently backed a resolution that Commissioners of Budget and Planning should accompany governors to the monthly National Economic Council meeting, to provide opportunities for joint planning board meetings or interactions with the Ministry of Budget and National Planning.