The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has received an award of excellence, good governance and transparency for its procurement policies.
Receiving the award from the Center for Transparency Watch instead of the management and staff of the ministry in his office, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. Ernest Umakihe expressed delight at the gesture, emphasising that it was worthy of note that a group recognised what the ministry had been doing with its procurement process and deemed it fit to reward it.
“It shows that we are doing the right thing in the procurement process.
“We are grateful that you have seen through the transparency we displayed. On behalf of the ministry, I say thank you and appreciate your coming to honour us.”
Also, he commended the directors of the ministry for joining in the transparency drive, noting that the award was not for him alone but for all management staff, especially members of the Ministerial Tenders’ Board and the procurement directorate involved in the analysis, evaluation and bid opening.
In his remarks, the executive director, Center for Transparency Watch, Mr. Emmanuel Ayule said the award, (Distinguished Honour Award of Excellence) was given to the management for its effort in ensuring transparency, good governance and excellence in public service.
He, therefore, pointed out that he had been engaged with ministry for some years and observed that due process was followed according to the procurement law, which was the reason for the award.
In her remarks, the director, special duties, Mrs. Fausat Lawal commended the organisation for the recognition.
She pledged that the ministry would continue to be transparent in the discharge of its duties, noting that the award would spur the management to do more.
A statement by the director of information, signed by Mrs. Eremah Anthonia said the highlight of the event was the presentation of the award plaque to Umakihe by the executive director of the Centre for Transparency Watch.
