News

Management of our public resources is a panacea for entrenching enduring culture of public accountability-AuGF

Published

6 months ago

July 1, 2024

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Auditor General for the Federation, Shaakaa Chira has said
management of our public resources is a panacea for entrenching an enduring culture of public accountability

Speaking at a National Workshop on Trends in Public Sector Accounting, Auditing and Public Sector Reforms organized by Public Accounts Committee, PAC, of the HoR in collaboration with the Office the Auditor General for the Federation in Lagos, Chira said:

“Improved efficiency in the management of our public resources, a panacea for entrenching an enduring culture of public accountability.

” On my part as the Auditor-General for the Federation (AuGF), I am pleased to announce that I have initiated series of reforms, since assumption of duties, aimed at repositioning the OAuGF for efficient service delivery.

“At the centre of these reforms, is timely submission of quality audit reports to the National Assembly (NASS); to enable them perform their oversights as required by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). In view of the foregoing objective, it was very easy for the Chairman, PAC (House of Rep.) and I to agree on the need to organise this workshop to further entrench, a culture of prudent management of our nation’s financial resources.

” It is on this premise that I see this workshop as a win-win situation for key stakeholders who are desirous of strengthening our public accountability.

“Further to the submission of high-quality audit reports, it is also my determination to make the OAuGF a model Institution, that will earn public confidence through professional conduct of its audit/periodic checks as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other extant regulations.

“I came to this position because I was well aware of the general concerns of the auditees, being a person that rose through the ranks to become the Auditor-General for the Federation (AuGF). This underscores the first Circular I issued as the AuGF with Ref. No. 928/99/CONF/VO.II/38 dated 2nd January, 2024, on ‘CENTRALIZATION OF ISSUANCE OF AUDIT ENGAGEMENT LETTERS’.

“The Circular under reference has a twin benefits of helping my Office to track the conduct of audit and ensure timely submission of reports as well as reducing incidences of multiple audit visits to one Agency in a year.

“The implication of the Circular is that any letter for audit assignment not signed by me should not be honoured and in case you are in doubt of any letter for audit, feel free to contact me before granting access to the team.

“I must add that occasionally, due to public outcry or peculiar nature of some projects/programmes, a special team(s) may be set up by the Auditor-General for the Federation to specifically audit such projects/programmes with a view to submitting special report(s) to the National Assembly. In such situations, you should not be taken aback.

“On this workshop, I want to assure our Distinguished Participants, that the papers that will be presented and the Resource Persons were carefully selected to keep you abreast of violations that constitute audit queries as well as the modus operandi of the PAC public hearing. Other areas include but not limited to the rudiments of knowing the reporting framework that is appropriate for your MDA, and an overview of key public sector financial management reforms.

“The Resource Persons, especially, are practitioners with considerable on the job experiences and are more than capable of doing justice to their respective papers.

“Another major advantage of this workshop is that it is coming shortly after both the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Auditor-General for the Federation issued separate Circulars on submission of stand-alone annual financial statements by the MDAs with effect from 2023 financial year. The Resource Persons from the two Offices will attend to all your concerns regarding the two Circulars in particulars and other matters connected thereto.

“At this juncture Distinguished Participants, it is my humble appeal that you make the best of this rare opportunity, where the Chairman of the PAC (House of Representatives), the AuGF and the Accounting Officers are in one room for a few-days, to x-ray matters that bothers on public accountability. Let us therefore make this workshop very interactive and participatory.

“Finally, I want to thank, once again, the Chairman of the PAC, House of Representatives for this initiative and the Accounting Officers that made it to this workshop. I have no doubt that, going forward, there will be improved efficiency in the management of our public resources, a panacea for entrenching an enduring culture of public accountability.

News

WATCH Your Family Lawyer Podcast on YouTube tomorrow

Published

3 hours ago

January 10, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The second edition of Your Family Lawyer will hit the airwaves tomorrow (Saturday) precisely by 9.am.

Join Barrister Chinye Chuma, a veteran lawyer marshall out issues laced with court verdicts and how victims can resolve such knotty legal matters.

Watch introductory clip below;

View this post on Instagram

Advertisement

A post shared by NaijaBlitznews (@naijablitznews)

News

FemyWalsh Limited Makes History: Appoints Chief Julie Coker as Africa’s Oldest Female Journalist (Photos)

Published

3 hours ago

January 10, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

In a groundbreaking move that underscores its commitment to inclusivity and excellence, FemyWalsh Limited has proudly announced the appointment of Chief Julie Coker, an 85-year-old trailblazer in African journalism, as part of its esteemed team.

This historic milestone cements FemyWalsh Limited’s position as a leader in championing diversity and recognising the value of experience across generations.

Chief Julie Coker, a celebrated icon in the media world, brings decades of experience, insight, and unparalleled expertise to the organisation. With a career spanning over six decades, she has been instrumental in shaping the narrative of African journalism, inspiring generations of journalists with her dedication, resilience, and pioneering spirit.

“Chief Julie Coker is not just a journalist; she is a living legend,” said Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, Chief Executive Director of FemyWalsh Limited. “Her contributions to journalism and storytelling have left an indelible mark on the industry. By welcoming her to our team, we are reaffirming our belief that greatness knows no age. This appointment is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and celebrating talent in all its forms.”

This is not the first time FemyWalsh Limited has demonstrated its dedication to inclusivity. Over a year ago, the organisation made headlines by employing a 74-year-old veteran journalist, setting a precedent for valuing experience and diversity. Chief Julie Coker’s appointment further elevates this legacy, marking a significant achievement not only for FemyWalsh Limited but also for Africa’s media landscape.

Chief Julie Coker will now join FemyWalsh Media, which operates Souq News Television, The Isle 104.9 FM Lagos, and the soon-to-launch Kasuwa Radio 99.7 FM, based in the ancient city of Kano. The addition of Kasuwa Radio reflects FemyWalsh Limited’s commitment to expanding its reach and promoting quality broadcasting across Nigeria.

Speaking on her appointment, Chief Julie Coker expressed her gratitude and excitement:
“I am deeply honoured to join FemyWalsh Limited, a company that values experience and continues to break barriers. I look forward to contributing my wealth of knowledge and being part of an organisation that is paving the way for inclusivity and innovation in the media industry.”

Chief Julie Coker’s role at FemyWalsh Limited will focus on mentoring the next generation of journalists, enhancing storytelling strategies, and promoting initiatives that celebrate Africa’s rich media heritage.

FemyWalsh Media’s growing portfolio of outlets underscores its dedication to reshaping the media landscape in Africa by combining innovation with inclusivity. This historic appointment serves as a beacon of inspiration for organisations worldwide, proving that experience and age are invaluable assets in fostering progress and creativity.

About FemyWalsh Limited
FemyWalsh Limited is a leading media organisation committed to driving inclusivity, innovation, and excellence in the media industry. With ownership of Souq News Television, The Isle 104.9 FM Lagos, and the soon-to-launch Kasuwa Radio 99.7 FM Kano, the company continues to inspire through its groundbreaking initiatives and unwavering commitment to diversity.

For media inquiries, please contact:
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
FemyWalsh Limited
Email: [Your Email]
Phone: [Your Phone Number]

News

Afenifere demands concrete action from S’West governors on banditry

Published

3 hours ago

January 10, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, on Thursday, called on South West Governors to take the security of their areas more seriously in view of the latest revelation concerning the new influx of bandits into the region.

Afenifere disclosed this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital,

PUNCH Online reports that the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde while speaking at the 2025 annual inter-faith service for workers held at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Monday, disclosed that bandits being dislodged from the North-West of Nigeria are infiltrating his state.

The Governor had said, “During a security briefing this morning, I learned that some bad elements from the North-West are relocating here due to military heat in their zones.

“To underscore the seriousness of the issue, the governor related his own personal experience when he observed his quiet birthday ceremony at Fashola near Oyo Alaafin towards the end of last month.

“During my birthday retreat in Fashola, bandits had camped less than two kilometres from where I was staying. This underscores the seriousness of the situation.”

Howeve, Afenifere stated that a disclosure of this nature coming from the Chief Security Officer of a state is not something to be treated with levity.

It, therefore, called on all the governors of the South-Western States to “as a matter of urgency, hold a meeting to map out strategies to expel the bandits from the region and to ensure that such elements do not infiltrate Yorubaland at any time again.

“For these objectives to be achieved, there is the need to carry certain groups along. These are the security agencies that will implement whatever security decisions are reached, traditional rulers and heads of local vigilantes known as ‘Ode’.”

Ajayi added that whatever strategies were devised should include functional, up-to-date equipment for those who would be on the fields, attractive incentives and the deployment of modern technologies to assist in identifying the bandits and their hideouts.

While urging security agencies and citizens not to take the issue of security lightly, Ajayi concluded by saying that traditional rulers and community leaders in different parts of Yorubaland should not keep quiet whenever they notice any indication suggestive of security threat.

It added, “For example, until the governor made the revelation on Monday, such grave security danger was unknown to members of the public, yet there are people living in Fashola area where the bandits were reported to have established a camp. It is not unlikely that similar camps could be found in some other parts of the South West, hence the need for urgent and effective action.”