In a strategic move to promote fiscal responsibility and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, UNICEF has concluded a 2-day capacity building programme for its implementing partners in Cross River State.
The workshop, held at Channel View Hotels in Calabar, centered on financial prudence, emphasizing the effective and transparent management donors resources in support of various intervention projects across the State.
Bringing together representatives from lines Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the training aimed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary for implementing best practices in budget management, financial reporting, and resource allocation.
With focus on accountability at all level of implementation, the importance of sound financial management in achieving impactful programmatic outcomes was a key focus of the workshop.
UNICEF representative Ms Glory Ogbonna opened the session with a discussion on the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT). She underlined the significance of financial integrity in maintaining the trust and confidence of donors, which is crucial for securing funding for interventions. “When resources are managed efficiently, we can maximize our positive impact on the lives of the most vulnerable children and their families,” she stated.
She further emphasized that the training aims to instill a mindset among partners that every Naira spent should translate into tangible results.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions that covered budgeting techniques and the monitoring and evaluation of financial activities. They were also introduced to case studies highlighting successful financial management models from similar contexts.
Participants including the Director General , Cross River State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr Charles Iwara and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Ntunkae Offiong Ani Offiong expressed appreciation for the practical approach of the training.
Mr. Nakanda Iyadim, Programme Officer for the State Mobilization Technical Committee (SOMTEC), noted that the training had opened his eyes to often-overlooked aspects of financial management, providing him with practical tools for implementation.
The workshop underscored UNICEF's ongoing commitment to building the capacities of its partners, fostering an environment of collaboration and knowledge sharing that enhances project implementation and outcomes.
As the organizing team wrapped up the event, there was optimism that the training would lead to increased accountability and transparency among implementing partners in the next fiscal year in Cross River State.
Through this initiative which also drew participants from Abia State, UNICEF continues to champion a collaborative approach to child welfare, ensuring that resources aimed at improving lives are through basic household practices utilized effectively and efficiently within the State.
Nakanda Iyadim and Daniel Bebia
