From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Zamfara State Government has commenced a series of town hall meetings as part of the preparation of the 2027 budget, saying the annual budget is crucial to achieving inclusive, transparent and citizen-driven governance.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the budget preparation meeting held in Gusau, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Professor Yahaya Zakari, disclosed that the town hall meetings would be held across the three senatorial districts of the state.
“This important town hall meeting on the preparation of the 2027 Annual Budget Estimate for Zamfara State will hold in the three Senatorial Districts: Central, North and West,” he stated.
Professor Zakari said the engagement demonstrated Governor Dauda Lawal’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and citizen-driven governance.
“The budget is the blueprint through which we deliver services, projects and hope to our people,” he said.
He encouraged participants to focus on priority areas affecting their communities, including peace and security, education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, water supply, youth and women’s empowerment, and social services.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Planning, Sani Abubakar Bukkuyum, highlighted the importance of the budget to the state government, communities and other stakeholders.
“The budget draws the attention of government to what to spend, based on needs and the availability of resources,” he said.
He added that the town hall meetings provide an opportunity for dialogue, allowing the government to listen to citizens while giving them the opportunity to share ideas, observations and priority projects that would benefit their communities.
