Lagos — European Union (EU) under the aegis of EU SRIP, has donated Information Technology equipment and accessories worth N196 million to the Cross River state government.

Speaking during the presentation of the items to the state government in Calabar, state co-ordinator of EU SRIP, Mr. Etiene Yemek, said the gesture which is meant to support public finance-based institutions, House of Assembly and civil society organisations, through its budget base network group (BTAN), will further enhance productivity and efficient service delivery that will better the lots of Cross Riverians.

He maintained that the benefitting groups which were carefully selected, need to be supported to enhance qualitative service delivery after conducting NEEDS assessment, and urged them to be responsible and accountable in the use of the equipment.

Responding, the state governor, Senator Liyel Imoke , who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Fidelis Ugbo, said the donation which is part of the support for reforming institution programme, is an indication that the international communities are abreast with the various initiatives of the state aimed at ensuring standardised service delivery which will have positive impacts on the citizenry as a proof of good governance.

While calling on other development partners to emulate the European Union which he described as a reliable partner in service delivery Imoke pointed out that the gesture as demonstrated by the Union with the donation of modern information technology equipment will further reposition the state service delivery system.

In his goodwill message, Special Adviser, International Donor Support, Mr. Roy Ndoma-Egba, who lauded EU for its benevolence, said the effort was an attempt to computerise bureaucracy and make it more result-oriented for effective and efficient service delivery, adding that the support was the right step in the right direction.

Special Adviser, Budget Monitoring and Evaluation, Dr. Peter Oti, thanked the European Union for the donation which he noted will enhance their performance in the discharge of their duties and promised to make judicious use of the items.