A significant milestone in Borno State’s development journey was marked on Thursday with the dissemination of the state Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Readiness Assessment Report.
The event, held in Maiduguri, the capital, highlighted the state’s commitment to strengthening governance and evidence-based decision-making.
UNICEF Acting Chief of Borno Field Office, Mr. Joseph Senesie delivered key remarks, emphasising the importance of the assessment in the context of Borno’s complex challenges.
‘In a context as complex as Borno State, where the challenges of conflict, displacement, and recovery intersect with the aspirations for sustainable development, a robust monitoring and evaluation system is not just a tool—it is a necessity’, Senesie stated.
The report, conducted in the third quarter of 2024 with technical support from UNICEF, is a critical step towards achieving the goals outlined in the Borno State 25-Year Development Framework and 10-Year Strategic Transformation Plan.
Senesie commended the state governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum for his leadership and commitment to the initiative.
The assessment provides a clear roadmap for strengthening the state’s M&E system, highlighting both strengths and gaps in the current framework.
It offers actionable recommendations for improvement, including enhancing data management processes and building the capacity of government institutions.
‘The findings of this assessment provide a clear roadmap for strengthening the state’s monitoring and evaluation system. They highlight both the strengths and gaps in the current framework and offer actionable recommendations for improvement’, Senesie explained.
UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Borno State in this journey, particularly in critical sectors such as Education, Nutrition, Health, Child Protection, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.
Senesie stressed the transformative power of a strong child-sensitive M&E system in achieving shared goals.
He urged all stakeholders to prioritize the implementation of the assessment’s recommendations, calling for investments in capacity-building, data systems, and technology to enhance decision-making.
He also emphasised the need to foster a culture of accountability and learning.
‘Let us invest in capacity-building of workers, data systems, and technology to enhance decision-making.
‘Let us foster a culture of accountability and learning that empowers institutions and individuals to use data effectively’, Senesie urged.
The event concluded with a sense of hope and renewed commitment to achieving sustainable development and humanitarian outcomes for the people of Borno State.
The successful completion of the assessment was celebrated as a significant step towards realizing the state’s development goals.
