Ekiti lead in transparency, accountability in public finance MAR 15, 2024.

Ekiti lead in transparency, accountability in public finance MAR 15, 2024.

Ekiti State in South West Nigeria and Yobe State in North East of the country have emerged as the best-performing states in terms of transparency and accountability in the management and utilisation of public funds and implementation of public policies.

Lagos and Benue states were placed as the least occupying 36 and 35 positions.

The details are contained in the 2023 edition of the Subnational Audit Efficacy (SAE) Index conducted by Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI), a non-profit organisation fostering public accountability in Nigeria.

The SAE assesses the level of transparency and accountability operational in the management and utilisation of public funds and implementation of public policies across all 36 states of the federation through public audit and key actors in the public audit action cycle.

Ekiti and Yobe states scored 73 per cent followed by Akwa Ibom and Katsina states that secured 3rd and 4th positions with 60 per cent and 53 per cent.

Sokoto, Taraba, and Ondo States scored 31 per cent placing them at the 15th spot, while Benue and Lagos states lagged behind, occupying the 35th and 36th positions with 10 per cent and 5 per cent.

According to the Executive Director, Olusegun Elemo, PLSI said the SAE Index 2023 revealed that 34 States (except Anambra and Benue) have modern audit laws to guarantee the independence of Supreme Audit Institutions and strengthen public audit practices at the state level.

Speaking during the launch of the report on Thursday in Abuja, Elemo said although the improvement witnessed in the policy landscape has not yielded much owing to the lack of effective implementation of enacted audit laws in various states which continued to stand in the way of accountability and development.

He said: “The Subnational Audit Efficacy Index, initiated in 2021, serves as an annual scorecard assessing the temperature of public finance management and policy implementation practices at the state level.

“We retained the same methodology deployed for the 2022 assessment and collected, analyzed, and validated data provided by Supreme Audit Institutions, Public Accounts Committees, Offices of Accountant-General, Civil Society and Media Organisations in all 36 states of the federation.”

Elemo further noted that PLSI would continue to utilise evidence from its annual assessment to provide tailored support to subnational governments especially in delivering technical assistance to strengthen capacity of relevant state and non-state actors to enhance transparency and accountability practices for improved quality of life for citizens.

He expressed concern over the waning performance of states, noting that results from the latest assessment indicated further decline in performance of policy actors and erosion of reforms needed to sustain and improve on the World Bank-Assisted States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) Programme for Results implemented between 2018 and 2022 of which $1.5bn was provided to state governments as grants.

“While the average score for the 2022 assessment showed 31.81%, the 2023 Index revealed a total average of 30.58% indicating a 1.23% decline year on year,” he stated.

Elemo elaborated on several cross-cutting recommendations aimed at enhancing public finance management practices at the subnational level in Nigeria including the need for the Executive, Legislature, and the Office of the Auditor-General at the state level to collaborate to remedy inadequacies in the audit legal framework and implement the audit law effectively.

“Findings from the report showed that only 4 out of 36 States have made progress toward implementing financial autonomy and 12 out of 36 States have implemented legal provisions to activate administrative independence for the Office of the Auditor-General.

“Also, the report noted that none of the 36 States produced a standard performance audit report on the government’s programs, projects, or policies in the 2022 financial year.

“Furthermore, only 3 out of 36 States are sufficiently involving civic and media actors in the audit process of their states and just 5 out of 36 States have effective Public Accounts Committee in their Houses of Assembly,” he added.

EKSG Wages War Against Marijuana Cultivation.

EKSG Wages War Against Marijuana Cultivation.

.....Commission destroys 20 hectares marijuana farm.

Ekiti State Government has destroyed over 20 hectares of marijuana plantation in Ise Ekiti Forest Reserves.

The plantation and nursery prepared for transplanting were destroyed and set on fire by the forestry task force in the Commission.

The Executive Secretary, Mr Sunday Adekunle who dispatched the men to the reserve to destroy the plantation noted that they got a tip off from the newly recruited boundary men that some miscreants were engaging in the nefarious activities on  Government Reserves along the Ise axis.

According to him, the perpetrators  had  turned the area to a den of kidnappers, tormenting citizens and travellers in the area.

The Executive Secretary emphasized the efforts of the State Government to ensure adequate security for citizens of the State, pledging the readiness of the Commission to flush out men of the underworld from the reserves across the State.

He disclosed that efforts were on to engage  farmers who will engage in farming activities on such lands through Agro-forestry methods, particularly, planting of tree seedlings being currently raised at the Commission Central Nursery at Erifun in Ado-Ekiti.

Mr. Adekunle commended the State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji for recruiting Boundary men who had been posted to the Government Reserves to ensure adequate security through their regular patrols.

Local Council Boss, Hon Oluwatuyi Restores Access to Clean Water in Odo Uri Quarter, Igede-Ekiti.

Local Council Boss, Hon Oluwatuyi Restores Access to Clean Water in Odo Uri Quarter, Igede-Ekiti.

In a commendable display of commitment to community welfare, the Executive Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, Hon Gbenga Oluwatuyi, has spearheaded a successful initiative to restore access to clean and drinkable water for residents of Odo Uri Quarter in Igede-Ekiti.

Following concerns raised by residents about the deteriorating condition of the EU-installed borehole in Odo Uri Quarter, Hon Oluwatuyi took decisive action to address the issue. The pumping machine at the damaged borehole was effectively rehabilitated, ensuring a reliable supply of potable water to the community.

Expressing their gratitude, residents shared their appreciation for Honorable Oluwatuyi's swift response to their community's pressing need. Mr. Ayodele commended the Chairman for addressing the community's main problem and prayed for continuous blessings upon him.

Similarly, Mrs. Adeniyi Aina praised the Chairman's generosity and empathetic approach towards addressing their concerns. She acknowledged that despite the borehole machine being stolen years ago, Honorable Oluwatuyi listened to their complaints and took decisive action to rectify the situation, ensuring clean water was once again available to the residents.

Honorable Oluwatuyi reiterated his commitment to fulfilling his manifesto promises, which prioritize the welfare and well-being of the council's citizens. His administration's plans encompass various sectors, including education, security, roads, healthcare, and most notably, access to clean drinking water.

Furthermore, Honorable Oluwatuyi urged residents of Odo Uri Quarter to continue supporting and praying for the progress of Governor Biodun Oyebanji's administration and his own endeavors. He stressed the importance of collective effort in achieving sustained development and urged residents to remain vigilant and law-abiding, particularly in matters of security.

As the community basks in the renewed access to clean drinking water, Honorable Gbenga Oluwatuyi's leadership stands as a beacon of hope and progress, exemplifying a steadfast commitment to serving the needs of the people.

Investing In Women Key To Achieving Progress, Says First Lady As Ekiti Celebrates Celebrates International Women's Day.

Investing In Women Key To Achieving Progress, Says First Lady As Ekiti Celebrates Celebrates International Women's Day.

Speaking while being conducted round to observe the products exhibited by women from the 16 local government areas and 22 local council development areas, Dr. Oyebanji stressed the need for all people of the state and women especially to take agriculture more seriously.

While admiring some farm produce exhibited by women at the Day, the First Lady advocated the need to go back to the farm in order to ensure food security in the state and keep hunger at bay.

She emphasized that if Ekiti citizens goes back to farm, everybody will feed his family and feed himself and hunger will be banished from the state.

Dr. Oyebanji used the opportunity of the occasion to canvass the implementation of "Every Home a Garden" initiative of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to boost agriculture, produce more food and ensure food security in the country.

She further stated that the "Every Home a Garden" initiative, spearheaded by Senator Tinubu, empowers women to mitigate economic downturns through sustainable food production.

The Governor's wife also suggested that Adire Ekiti fabrics would be worn as commemorative dresses by delegates as each local government and local council development areas have their designs of the fabrics in the International Women's Day Celebration for 2025.

Addressing the gathering later in her prepared speech, Dr. Oyebanji said this year's International Women's Day "marks a celebration of resilience, creativity, and resourcefulness of our women and girls in Ekiti State."

She said: "We are grateful for Governor Oyebanji's approval to distribute food commodities, addressing immediate needs while championing long-term economic empowerment. 

"This aligns with our ongoing efforts to mitigate global economic challenges through various empowerment programs. Today serves as a reminder of the urgent need to accelerate gender equality in all aspects of life.

"Investing in women accelerates progress. Governor Oyebanji's shared prosperity vision prioritizes lifting women from economic challenges. His administration creates an enabling environment for women to thrive, fulfilling our shared commitment to gender equality."

Speaking in her welcome address, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, said the theme for this year's celebration speaks to the human capital development pillar of the Oyebanji Administration which provides enabling space for women and girls to thrive.

The Director General Office of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, Mrs. Olawumi Famuyiwa, said women need to work harder on their children and curb the get rich quick syndrome and inculcate in the the values of integrity, hard work, honesty and industry.

The celebration which was supposed to have been held last week's Friday was postponed by one week to pay respect to the late All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in the state, Mr. Paul Omotoso, who died last week.

The theme for this year's celebration was "Count Her In: Accelerating Gender Equality through Economic Empowerment" underscores our commitment to inclusivity and progress.

The celebration also featured exhibition of products from the council areas and distribution of food commodities.

Tinubu To APC Leaders: Old Subsidy Beneficiaries May Resist Us But Nigeria Will Overcome Them With Good Governance And Commitment To Our People.

Tinubu To APC Leaders: Old Subsidy Beneficiaries May Resist Us But Nigeria Will Overcome Them With Good Governance And Commitment To Our People. 

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is deploying resources to critical sectors and areas with significant impact on the welfare of Nigerians, emphasizing that the nation's treasury is sacrosanct and must not be abused.

Speaking at a meeting with the Forum of State Chairmen of the All Progressives' Congress (APC) at the State House in Abuja on Friday, the President assured Nigerians that his government is working around the clock to improve their living conditions, and asked leaders at the grassroots level to encourage citizens to get their National Identification Number (NIN) for planning, structuring interventions and to achieve their full integration into various relief programmes.

“The programme of our government will be truly progressive; student loans, a national consumer credit system, and social welfare for the unemployed, as well as graduates. Every Nigerian will find a place of belonging in our country. In the eye of even the biggest hurricane, we will find that place of tranquility and prosperous harmony for the benefit of all. Nigerians will all partake on this national journey to prosperity,’’ the President said.

Emphasizing the central role of agriculture in expanding and accelerating Nigeria's economic growth, President Tinubu told the state party chairmen, led by the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, that his government had already drawn up a blueprint for large-scale livestock farming, which will be activated soon.

“We are bringing mechanized farming to the fore. Yesterday's crisis will become today's opportunity. Fertilizers are being supplied to farmers as we speak. Agriculture and economic diversification provide the answers to our problems. We will not continue to import food. We know how to turn lack into abundance, and the world will watch us do it again,’’ the President said. 

President Tinubu emphasized that the repositioning of the economy is a top national priority as he urged party members not to wait for an appointment before bringing good governance and exemplary civic engagement to the doors of Nigerians. 

“As we are fighting corruption, smugglers, and old subsidy beneficiaries, they most certainly will fight back. All those who falsified records and became losers with the subsidy (on petroleum products) removal, they will fight back. 

“But we will defend our people. The treasury belongs to the people, and that sacred trust must not be abused.

“I urge the state chairmen that regardless of party affiliation, let us help citizens by mobilizing them for NIN registration. Not just PVCs. Some are poor Nigerians who have not experienced formal education and have no understanding of what NIN is and how it will benefit their lives. We must teach them. We must care for them.

“Without NIN, we can not embark on social security interventions for the vulnerable. We will be making faulty moves without accurate data and iron-clad, digital intervention structures. I have established a committee of governors, and it is headed by the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima. It is working on what must be done to further lift our people.

“We need to give hope, and we are giving it to the country and our citizens. We are working hard, day and night, even though some agents of destabilization are present in the polity. Nigerians, with our focused support, shall defeat them," the President affirmed. 

APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje said the party is nearly set to establish the Progressive Institute of Policy and Development for the benefit of its members and the broader Nigerian public. This was followed by the Forum of APC State Chairmen congratulating the President on his victory at the polls, tribunal, and Supreme Court while assuring him of their continued support as his administration implements its economic programmes. 

President Tinubu’s support responsible for infrastructure upgrade in Ekiti, says Oyebanji.

President Tinubu’s support responsible for infrastructure upgrade in Ekiti, says Oyebanji.

….As Governor concludes three -day project inspection.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has cited the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu - led Federal Government for his ability to sustain the massive infrastructure upgrade going on in different parts of the state.

Governor Oyebanji, Who disclosed this Thursday evening in Ado-Ekiti at the conclusion of his three - day inspection of road projects across the state, said the surge in infrastructure development across the state was as a result of additional money the state is receiving from the Federal Government under President Tinubu’s current economic policy.

Oyebanji said his government has been able to take care of all basic responsibilities to citizens and workers as well as take care of its obligations to contractors leading to a remarkable number of projects at different level of completion across the state. This, he said, was made possible because of the additional funding.

No fewer than 25 ongoing road projects were inspected during the three days of project monitoring. They include: the Okeyinmi fly over bridge; Ado-Ekiti Ring Road; Igede- Ilawe Road; Erijinyan-Ilawe Road; Ikogosi-Igbara Road; Ikere-Igbara-Odo Road; Ado-Akure Road; Ikere-Ise-Emure Road; Ikere-Ado Road, Ikere –Ilawe road; GRA road dualisation and GRA 3rd Extension road.

Others are Omisanjana-Alasia-Deeper Life –Atlas road; Agric Olope- Moferere Road; Ado-iworoko-Ifaki roda; Hospital Management Board road; Jimoh Aliu Road; Isinbode-Ara-Ikole Road; Ikole Township road; Itapa-Ijelu-Omu road; Ijero township road; Ayegunle-Ijurin-Iloro/Ipoti-Ilukuno road.  

 

Governor Oyebanji, in a brief encounter with residents during the inspection, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his continuous support to the state. “For all these projects, we should thank God, and we should thank the President who is supporting us in Ekiti. If you will remember, when he came here to campaign, he told Ekiti people that I am his son and he will help me. The President stands by me and he’s helping me, I can’t lie.

“All the money we are spending on these projects is as a result of the additional money we got from the federal government which was made possible by the President, who took the bull by the horn, effected some economic changes that resulted in more money for the state. If not, where would we have gotten the money to do all these projects?”, he retorted.

The Governor who called on the people to show understanding for the President’s programmes and policies, said President Tinubu was fully prepared for the task of taking Nigeria to the promised land, adding however, that the current hardship could be described as necessary pangs that usually precede child delivery.

“The president is courageous and he is on top of the situation. He needs our prayers and support and I am sure we shall all smile at the end of the day because the policies are well intentioned.” He added.

Speaking on his observation on quality of work done on the roads, Governor Oyebanji said he was satisfied with the pace and quality of work done by the contractors, adding that most of them are working towards the set deadlines.

The Governor said he is particularly happy to note that that people in different communities have taken ownership of the projects in their communities, a development he said is in line with the administration’s development agenda.

 

He said the inspection was to ensure that the contractors adhere strictly to the terms of their contracts so that the people can have value for their money, adding that the huge volume of projects being undertaken simultaneously would not in any way affect government’s unwavering commitment to regular payment of salaries of workers, pensions and other obligations.

“I am satisfied with the quality of work. I have not seen any contractor that has not done well, so am really happy with level of work done with the commitment and with the communal ownership of the projects by the people.”

Fayemi mourns Late Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun.

Fayemi mourns Late Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun.

.....hails monarch for commitment to welfare of his people.

Dr Kayode Fayemi, former governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), has expressed his condolences on the death of HRM Oba Lekan Balogun, the Olubadan of Ibadanland. 

In a statement released by his media office in Abuja, Dr Fayemi stated that the news of the late monarch's death was shocking and must have caused untold grief for his people. 

Fayemi stated, "I received the news of the death of Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the Olubadan of Ibadanland with sadness. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, friends, the Olubadan in Council, the Oyo State Government, and the entire Ibadan community on the death of this great leader and custodian of his people’s heritage

"Kabiyesi was an exemplary leader whose reign was marked by wisdom, grace, and devotion to his people, and his contributions to the development of Ibadan and Oyo State in general cannot be overstated."

The former Governor of Ekiti State described Oba Balogun's death as the end of a great and true leader whose dedication to his people's well-being and progress was unparalleled.

Fayemi also noted, "As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate his legacy of leadership and public service, as well as the profound impact he had on the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

"On behalf of my wife, Bisi, and the rest of our family, I extend my condolences to the people of Ibadan, as well as the government and people of Oyo State, on this tragic loss. May the good Lord grant the departed monarch eternal rest and give his family the strength to bear the irreplaceable loss.