By Kelvin Obambon
The Cross River State Government took a significant step towards promoting transparency and public participation by hosting a detailed presentation of its 2025 Budget. The event, held at the Budget Office in Calabar Thursday, brought together civil society organizations, media representatives, private sector actors, and development partners for an open dialogue on the state’s fiscal plans.
Convened by Otu Otu-Ita, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget, the session showcased a thorough breakdown of the budget, including sector-specific allocations and key priorities. Otu-Ita highlighted the administration’s dedication to inclusive governance, stating, “This platform allows citizens and stakeholders not only to understand the budget but to actively engage in shaping its implementation. My office is open to answer all your questions. We count on you to succeed.”
Faith Ochelebe and Benny Ubi from the budget office provided expert guidance through the budget highlights, ensuring clarity and accessibility for all participants.
The interactive forum encouraged stakeholders to ask questions, share insights, and discuss the potential impact of budgetary decisions on the state development and service delivery. Many attendees praised the initiative as a positive move towards participatory governance.
The event ended with a strong call for ongoing collaboration between the government and the public to guarantee the effective implementation of the 2025 Budget, reinforcing Cross River State’s commitment to transparency and accountability.