The Rivers State Government will remain grateful to UNICEF
for sharing in its aspiration and contributing to improve the living condition
of the people, especially in programmes concerning children and women.

The state Commissioner for Ministry of Budget and Economic
Planning, Hon. Gogo Levi Charles said this while speaking at the opening
ceremony of a 3-day UNICEF-Assisted training on Social Planning and Budgeting
for children and women held at Delta Hotels Limited, Port Harcourt.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Sir
Promise Chinda Njiowhor, the Commissioner for “today’s training programme goes
further to confirm the unity of purpose between the UNICEF and the state
government on issues affecting the people, particularly children and women, who
are the most vulnerable segments of the population.

Hon. Chalres noted that the achievements recorded by
Governor Chibuike Amaechi’s administration in education, health, agriculture
and roads are standing out in the country.

The commissioner urged participants in the programme to take
full advantage of the opportunity and update their skills in development
planning and budgeting, as it will prepare them for greater challenges in life.

Also speaking as Chairman of the occasion, the Permanent
Secretary said that children and women were the most vulnerable group in the
society, adding that the 3-day training would help to budget for women and
children annually.

Sir Njiowhor advised the participants to take the training
seriously as most of them may go for consultation after the workshop.