The Benue State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, has flagged off the public opening of bids for the SUBEB-UBEC intervention fund projects from matching grant under the 1st to 4th quarter 2002 to 1st to 4th quarter 2003.
The flag off ceremony which was attended by contractors and representatives of regulatory bodies took place at the board’s headquarters in Makurdi on Tuesday.
In a remark Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Dr. Grace Adagba, reiterated the commitment of the board to transparency and accountability in the execution of its projects.
She said: “I want to assure and reassure that we will ensure our best to see that, transparency and due process and accountability is seen here.”
Dr . Adagba added that Benue SUBEB was the only SUBEB that had announced coordinates and locations of intended projects, a proof of transparency in the whole process.
She stressed the need for contractors to ensure that all projects are executed to specifications and in good time too.
She gave assurance that the process was going to be the most transparent ever to be witnessed in Benue State.
She commended the Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Alia, for his prompt release of counterpart funding, which was a testament to his passion and zeal for development in the education sector as well as the entire state.
The Commissioner of Education and Knowledge Management, Rev. Dr. Frederick Ikyaan, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Agbo Ochekpe, highlighted the significance of the public opening of the bids, noting that it arose from a collective resolve to implement projects and policies with transparency, accountability, and adherence to the highest standards of quality and ethics.
The ceremony was attended by members of the board and management staff, the chairman House Committee on Education, Cephas Dyako, UBEC State Coordinator, Mr. Idzi Baba, UBEC Supervisor of Projects North Central Zone, Isah Yakubu, representatives of EFCC, ICPC, BPP, and the Nigerian Institute of Builders, and civil society organizations among others.
In their separate remarks, the representatives of UBEC and financial institutions present dwelt extensively on the fact that standards must be maintained, and that adequate sanctions will be meted out to contractors who do not perform in accordance with set guidelines.
Responding on behalf of the contractors, Emmanuel China expressed gratitude to the Governor, the SUBEB Executive Chairman, and all those involved in the contract process, while praying that the board will fulfill its mandate of ensuring that only deserving contractors get awarded, and the process is carried out transparently as promised.
The highlight of the event was the symbolic opening of bids for matching grants under the 1st to 4th quarter 2002 and 2003.
