SEEFOR PROMISES A NEW DAWN FOR NIGERIA

The successful implementation of SEEFOR Project is expected to facilitate improved management of the economies of implementing states and Nigeria by extension.
This was made known by the Secretary to the National Planning Commission (NPC), Mr. Bassey Akpanyung at the opening ceremony of the Annual Retreat of State Employment and Expenditure for Results (SEEFOR) Project in Tinapa Lakeside Hotel, Calabar, Cross River State.
The Secretary to the Commission who was represented by the National Project Coordinator of SEEFOR Project, Mr. Tunde Lawal stated that the “Project holds promises of a new dawn in Nigeria.”

Mr. Akpanyung further stated that the choice of the theme for the retreat “Improving Governance for Inclusive Growth in the Niger Delta Region: Opportunities for the SEEFOR Project” is in line with its transformation agenda and vision 20: 2020 of the Federal Government.
In her address the World Bank Country Director in Nigeria Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly, represented by Mr. John Litwack said SEEFOR Project is poised to create institutions that will out-live the Project in the various states through its Project Financial Management (PFM) Reforms.
She advised the National Project Coordinating Unit (NPCU) and the State Project Coordinating Units (SPCU) to ensure Community participation in the project and expressed optimism that he retreat will create a synergy for the various States to share ideas.

Marie-Nelly explained that the retreat is organized to take stock of the Project achievements and challenges since the last retreat in 2013.
In his goodwill message, the Honourable Commissioner for Rivers State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Gogo Levi Charles who represented the Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi said the Project has helped to take many youths off the streets.
He disclosed that the Project will be formally launched in the Rivers State Next year.

Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Minister/Deputy Chairman, National Planning Commission Dr. Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman urged the NPCU, SPCU, NPC and World Bank to ensure a successful implementation of the Project in participating States.
Dr. Sulaiman who spoke through the Secretary to the Commission Mr. Bassey Akpanyung applauded the State Governors of the implementing States for their support for the Project especially in the provision of counterpart funds, adding that he intends to pay advocacy visits to implementing States and advised the SEEFOR Team at the state levels to do the same to the implementing MDAs.
This year’s retreat was declared open by Governor of Cross Rivers State, His Excellency, Gov. Liyel Imoke, who was represented by the Economic Adviser, Prof. Ndem Ayara.