Anambra State has kicked off a partnership programme with the European Union (EU) and the World Bank to enable the state get full value on expenditure, especially now that the country is facing economic challenges.

The two international bodies have already commenced sponsorship of audit stakeholders’ forum in Awka through the State and Local Government Reform Project (SLOGOR).

Speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Awka, the Anambra State Head of Service (HOS), Mr. Harry Udu, who represented Governor Willie Obiano said the recommendations would help the state to further harness and utilize available resources judiciously.

He said: "At the end of the exercise, Anambra State will be better off in terms of service delivery in the state and local governments in the area of public finance and human resources management.”

On his part, the Auditor General of the state, Mr. Augustine Abadom observed that the collaboration would ensure that audit opinions were reliable and based on sufficient, relevant and reliable evidence, as well as motivate audited bodies to implement their policies.

An audit consultant, Mr. Sunday Osho explained that the reform was an opportunity for auditors to come together and iron out some common issues like expectations, obligations and challenges and proffer solution.

According to him, the performance audit was introduced in the country to justify and control the level of expenditure in order to maintain accountability and probity in governance.

•Photo shows Governor Obiano.