Commissioner Explains MPPG Programme

The activities of micro project programme in the Niger  Delta region (MPPG) is to complement  the functions of the local governments in the country.

The Rivers State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Charles Okaye said this in Port Harcourt recently while delivering his welcome address at a one-day  sensitization workshop organised by MPPG for local governments in the state.

Okaye noted that if all the local government  councils embraced the programme, the teething problems of Community Development in the state will end.

The Commissioner, who spoke through the director of planning, Research and statistics. (PRS), Sir David Wodo, stressed the need  to consider the MPPG programme as a project that has direct bearing on the lives of the people saying that local government councils are by their functions expected to develop local  communities within their various areas of jurisdiction.

Also speaking, the permanent secretary, ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Sir Awoye Halden Bobmanuel, said that the programme was a what while venture hence the need to welcome it.

Bobmanuel, who aired his views through the Director of Agriculture in the ministry, Mr. Sylanus Echedike, maintained that the programme will improve the living condition of the people especially rural dwellers. While thanking the MPPG programme, he called for commitment by all, inorder to ensure  a lasting understanding between  them and the programme designers.

The Team Leader, social Economist (EU MPPG) Ms Kaine Bob-Manuel, informed the participants that the programme was funded by the European Union, Federal Government  and Local Governments in the country. Ms Bob-Manuel, hinted that the local government contribute about 25 per cent cost of the entire projects meant for their different areas. However, she said that the projects  would be participatory in nature as communities where the projects are sited would be involved, by identifying its needs before approval and implementation by the programme designers.