In a resolve to carry citizens along in planning and budgeting processes, the Governor of the State of Osun, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has promised to implement recommendations presented in the Citizens’ Needs Assessment (CNA) report of the state. DFID-PERL presented the report along with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission on 06 August 2019, in the presence of Osun Citizens Charter Group and key officials of the State Government, at the Governor’s office.

The report followed a citizen needs assessment exercise commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget of the State of Osun in April 2019. The exercise was supported by the State Government, DFID-PERL and the DAWN Commission. The exercise focused on seven pillars namely:

• Agriculture and agribusiness
• Infrastructure
• Economy
• Environment
• Human Capital Development
• Governance and Growth of Internally Generated Revenue
• Youth and Development

The DFID Southwest Regional Coordinator, Mr David Ukagwu, presented the CNA recommendations, which include:

• Integration of citizens’ demands into State Planning and Policy Development and Implementation Frameworks
• Establishment and strengthening of platforms for regular feedback from citizens on project implementation
• Building trust with citizens through fiscal transparency and accountability.

Responding to the presentation, the Governor expressed renewed confidence in citizens and development partners and commended citizens for their input towards the progress of the state. He concluded that “the Government of the State of Osun will implement the recommendations stated in the report”.