The Ebonyi state government has commended the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) for prudent management of funds meant for its activities in the state.

Prof. Humphrey Nwobashi, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources gave the commendation during the programme's meeting/working session on 2023 draft annual workplan and budget.

Nwaobashi said that IFAD VCDP has shown that it could manage available resources allocated for its activities in the state to still impact positively on beneficiaries.

"Several economics are still battling with the effects of COVID 19 but IFAD-VCDP has shown high level of probity and accountability in managing available resources.

"When I assumed office as the commissioner, I was briefed by the programme's coordinator in Ebonyi and was amazed with the impact of its activities in the state.

"These impacts were made despite the reduction of funds due to the effects of COVID 19 and one would then wonder the level of impact if such funds came in full.

"I would advise the programme to continue making judicious use of available funds instead of projections that are not available.

He commended the federal government for approving the programme, describing it as one of the best agricultural interventions in West Africa and beyond.

"The Ebonyi government will continue collaborating with the programme and fulfill all its obligations toward it.

Mr Muhammad Damatar, the IFAD-VCDP National Financial Controller
commended the Ebonyi government for its commitment towards the sustainance of the programme's activities in the state.

He advised officers in charge of the IFAD-VCDP budgetting to be proactive as their activities drive the programme.

"When you prepare the budget, ensure it is properly coded as it provides the opportunity of uploading it to the Management Information System (MIS) and finance software.

"The coding is driven from the accounting software which shows that the relationship is good.

"When there is a single code that is not on the accounting software, the MIS will accept it but will not allow the budget to balance on software.

"It must be comprehensive and correct and if not, might result to problems.

Mr Mohammed Lawal, IFAD-VCDP Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor, assured participating states of its commitment to implement its activities despite the effects of COVID 19 on funds availability.

Mr Sunday Ituma, the IFAD-VCDP State Programme Coordinator thanked the national officers for their visit and assured of the proactiveness of the state office in the implementation of activities.