In a bold move to foster participatory governance, the Executive Chairman of Itu Local Government Council, Hon. Ubong W. Nkutt, convened a one-day citizens/stakeholders consultative meeting on the 2025 budget, drawing widespread acclaim from stakeholders.

Held on Friday, November 8, 2024, the well-attended event brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, stakeholders, and citizens of Itu Local Government Area to deliberate on the council's development blueprint for 2025.

Hon. Ubong Nkutt, in his welcome remarks, expressed gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno PhD, for inspiring the innovative approach to budget preparation, aligned with the United Nations' standards and best practices.

"Permit me to digress and use this opportunity to openly thank His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State. Pst. Umo B. Eno PhD, for this innovation of encouraging citizens active participation in the process of budget preparation, which falls in line with the United Nations standard and best practices of bottom-up approach to development", Nkutt said.

Nkutt unveiled the administration's strides, including the ongoing construction of an ultra-modern administrative block complex, slated for completion within the first 100 days in office. He emphasized the importance of collective input in shaping the 2025 budget, ensuring it reflects the people's dreams and aspirations.

He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of officers from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Akwa Ibom State Fiscal Responsibility Board, praising their novel approach to budget preparation.

"It will be unfair if I fail to acknowledge the untiring efforts of officers from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Akwa Ibom State Fiscal Responsibility Board for this novel approach to budget preparation", he noted.

Stakeholders lauded the Chairman's inclusivity policy, with Paramount Ruler of Itu, HRM Edidem Edet AkpanInyang, pledging support for the administration.

Akparawa James Edet, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, and International President, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, commended Nkutt's emulation of the Governor's budgeting approach, predicting an 80% actualization rate.

Rt. Hon. Mrs. Ekaette Ebong Okon, Chairman of the State Secondary Education Board, commended the Chairman's innovative idea, urging sustained collaboration.

The consultative meeting adopted three projects from each of the 11 wards, identified by stakeholders, for inclusion in the 2025 budget.

Participants across political affiliations hailed the transparent, bottom-up approach, ensuring citizens' active participation in the budgeting process.