Okitipupa receives first quarter Local Development Fund (LDF) from UNDP
Local communities in Okitipupa, Ondo State, have received first quarter Local Development Fund (LDF) from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the pilot Niger Delta Local Development Programme (LDP).
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NDLDP CTA, Edward Mugabi presenting a cheque to the Chairman and Secretary of Ilutitun Ward II |
This pilot UNDP programme is the first of its kind in the region where UNDP, State Governments, and Local Governments (LGA) contribute money to fund projects at the community level. This year, UNDP is providing a total of $1,796,526, while the Ondo State Government is contributing $276,841, and Okitipupa LGA, $159,829.
Cheques totaling $167,035.15 were presented to Okitipupa Ward Development Committees (WDCs) Chairpersons at the end of a two-day workshop on Work Planning and Procurement held at the Okitipupa LGA Hall on 3- 4 April 2008.
All funded projects were selected by the local communities. The projects range from construction and renovation of markets in Ayeka-Igbdigo-Igodan-Okumo, Ode-Aye, Ilutitun II, Ijudo-Ijuoke-Ereketi wards to renovation of primary schools in Erinje, Ilutitun III, Igbotako I wards; renovation and refurbishment of community health centers in Erinje, Ode-Aye II, Ikoya-Igbisin, Okitipupa I, Ilutitun I, Ijudo-Ijuoke-Ereketi wards; provision of artisan boreholes in Okitipupa I, Okitipupa II, Igbotako II wards; opening up of community access roads in Okitipupa I ward; and grading and upgrading of roads in Okitipupa II ward.
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Participants at the workshop |
The planning workshop was declared open by the Deputy Chairman of Okitipupa LGA, Mr. Akinbila John while UNDP’s LDP Chief Technical Adviser, Mr. Edward Mugabi introduced the workshop and gave an overview of the LDP plans for 2008.
Presentations were made by the Director of Ondo State Price Project Monitoring Unit, (PPMU) Mr. Dennis Alonge Niyi, on ‘The Role of Ondo State Price Monitoring Unit in Procurement Planning.’ Other presentations made were on ‘Procurement Procedures and Policies’ by the Director of Local Government Administration, Engr. Ayo Omorege, and ‘Procurement Planning’ by Mr. Mugabi.
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Participants during group discussions |
Thrity nine ward Councillors, Chairmen and Secretaries of the 13 WDCs benefited from the workshop. Other participants who attended the workshop include senior staff of the Okitipupa LGA.
In closing, Mr. Mugabi urged the WDCs to act responsibly, be accountable, and avoid misusing the funds. He added that, “If you have a tree that will bear fruit, rejoice, but do not pick the fruit until it ripens.”
The upcoming LDP activity is to assist Ilaje LGA to establish and train WDCs, and identify projects for funding.
The LDP is being piloted over a three year period in Ondo and Bayelsa States.
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