By: Olajide Toriola
Oyo State Government has released N600 million for the implementation of 2014 round of the Conditional Grant Scheme (CGS).
The Chairman, Oyo State Implementation Committee on the Conditional Grants Scheme, (CGS-SIC), Mr. Abimbola Adekanmbi, disclosed this last week during the distribution of medical equipment to the primary health care/maternity centres and State owned health institutions in the state.
Mr. Adekanmbi, who is also the Commissioner for Finance and Budget, said that the accessibility of the fund will allow the state to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He disclosed that the Conditional Grant Scheme of the transformed Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has fast tracked the overall improvement of the quality of living of the citizens in agricultural, educational, infrastructural provision, environment and most importantly health care Sectors in the last couple of years.
Adekanmbi said “the crucial role of the Conditional grants Scheme in the last couple of years to fast track the achievement of the now rested Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in our nation, cannot be over-emphasised. Without doubt, the noble objectives behind the initiative contributed immensely to the overall improvement in the indices of the MDGs in the state and the nation at large.
“The uniqueness of the scheme allows State Governments, Local Governments, and Communities the freedom to identify their own priorities, design their own solutions and demonstrate their ability to effectively implement projects,” the commissioner added.
He assured that the Oyo State government will ensure that all projects and programmes of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are targeted towards the actualisation of the SDGS in the state, promising that the government will not relent in fulfilling its obligations through the payment of its counterpart cash contribution as at when due.
Adekanmbi urged the Local Governments in the state to conscientiously monitor the delivery of the medical equipment which include baby cots, hospital beds, mattresses, wheel chairs, refrigenators and ward screens, bed cabinets, stainless bed pans amongst others to the identified primary healthcare centres and ensure the sustainability and maintenance of the various projects at the community levels.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on SDGS, Mr. Temitope Fajana called for the collaboration of all stakeholders to work together, saying that this would ensure the realization of the present administration’s objectives of poverty reduction, water supply, employment opportunities and an improved health-care delivery system.
“The achievement of these objectives will no doubt increase societal welfare and make for a more fulfilled and happier citizenry. Also your support is required to sensitize the populace on the implementation of the SDGs at the grassroots levels,” Fajana said.
