The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)’s State2State activity has asked Local Government officials to ensure citizens engagement in the budget process for ac- countability, transparency and effectiveness at grassroots. Mr Emmanuel Bwala, Citizens Engagement specialist, State2State made the call at the end of a four-day training for Gombe LG Directors and Planning Officers on credible and policy-based budgeting in Yola on Friday.

Bwala said, citizens engagement in budget process would help government to know what the citizens wanted to be provided for them as projects. “We have to put it at the back of our minds that what we are doing is for the citizens, who were the direct beneficiaries.

“We most work towards changing things for the better for the good of all. Let them identify some of the projects they want in their respective communities”, he said. Mr Oluwatosin Oke, State2S- tate Public Financial Management (PFM) specialist, Gombe field office, advised them to ensure adequate engagement of stakeholders to represent the interest of all.

“You should understand that you are the backbone of grassroots development of Gombe, if you engage them, you will have sense of fulfillment”, he said. Hajiya Zariyatu Hashidu, LG Manager State2State, Gombe field office also task the participants to understand the guidelines in mainstreaming conflict sensitivity in the budget process, planning, implementation and monitoring.