Kogi
INGRA asks Kogi State Govt to make public its audited reports for 1999 to 2021
Initiative for Grassroot Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA) has urged the Kogi State government to make public the state’s audit reports for 1999-2021
A statement by its Executive director Hamza Aliyu, which was made available to the Nationalupdate in Abuja said it is sad that States that are less endowed than Kogi State, make public their Audited financial Books for Citizens to access.
“We call on the Public Accounts Committee of the Kogi State House of Assembly to as a matter of necessity, to mandate the Auditor General of the State to immediately place before it the Audited Reports for the periods 1999-2021.
“We also call on the Auditor General of Kogi State to immediately perform his Constitutional responsibility as stated in the above Section 125 of the Constitution.
“Through these instruments, citizens can begin to hold their elected Governments accountable and responsible”
According to the executive director accountability and transparency have over the years been recognized as instruments of reduction of corruption at all levels of public sector.
“A lack of transparency and accountability in a government presents a major risk to the efficiency of the capital markets, financial stability, long term economic sustainability, economic growth and development. “Unfortunately, the issue of accountability is a basic and fundamental problem in our country Nigeria, and in specifically in Kogi State. Financial Audit presents a tool for public sector accountability.
Section125(2) of the 1999 constitution as Amended mandates the Auditor General of a State to audit “ALL offices and courts of the State…” and submit the findings to the State House of Assembly. Section 125(4) states that these include “… all persons and bodies established by a law of the House of Assembly of the State”. The committee saddled with receiving this report is the Public Accounts Committee
“The above shows the importance the Constitution gives to Public Sector Accountability. Thus, it is surprising that despite these Constitutional requirements and directives, there is no such Report before the Public Accounts Committee of the Kogi State House of Assembly in the recent times.”
He indicated that with the lack of transparency and accountability State Budgets are appropriated and executed without being accountable to the people.
“State Ministries Departments and Agencies spend public funds without an existing mechanism for checks to ensure that due process is followed, there is efficiency of funds expenditure and value for money.
“Details of expenditures are never made available to the public and the process of government procurement is shrouded in secrecy without the necessary Auditing Mechanism in place.”
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Professor Tom Adaba, the first Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), who died early Saturday at the age of 84.
Describing the late broadcaster and scholar as a “leading light for development in Nigeria and a courageous voice of the people of Ebira land and Kogi State,” Governor Ododo paid tribute to his legacy in media, academia, and public service.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah in a statement quoted Ododo to have said,
“I am saddened by the death of our father and leader, Professor Tom Adaba, who has gone to be with his maker. Our prayers are with his immediate family, the people of Kogi State, and Nigeria at large for the colossal loss of a man widely regarded as a teacher, mentor, and leader,” he said.
The governor extended condolences to the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, and the entire Ebira community, recognizing Prof. Adaba’s contributions, including his traditional title as the Ohieteohueyi of Ebira land.
Born in 1941, Prof. Adaba achieved several historic firsts, serving as the first Nigerian President of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE), the first Principal of the Nigeria Television College, and later, the first Director-General of NBC, before retiring in the late 1990s.
May his soul rest in peace.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 500 women from Kogi State’s 21 local government areas, reaffirming the crucial role of women in economic development.
Speaking at the empowerment distribution event at Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja, Mrs. Tinubu—represented by Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, wife of the Kogi State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, stressed the importance of investing in women for national progress.
She stated that the initiative, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is designed to promote inclusivity, economic empowerment, and sustainable development, particularly for women. She also revealed that 18,500 women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones would benefit from the program, starting with the North Central region.
“Empowering women is fundamental to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals 5 and 8, which focus on gender equality and economic growth,” she emphasized.
The program, executed in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), provided beneficiaries with essential business tools, including deep-chest freezers, maxi gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines, to boost entrepreneurship and economic independence.
Mrs. Tinubu urged the beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity, ensuring self-reliance and contributing to the nation’s economic development.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has expressed deep grieve over the passing of the District Head of Adavi, Alhaji Salihu Ozi-Salami, who passed away on Wednesday at his residence in Ogaminana, Adavi Local Government Area.
In a condolence message, the Governor described the late Alhaji Salihu Ozi-Salami as a distinguished leader who served his people with honor, dedication, and a deep commitment to peace and unity. He acknowledged his invaluable contributions to the growth and stability of Adavi and the larger Ebira community.
Special Adviser on Media to the
Governor, Ismaila Isah quoted in a statement quoted Ododo to have extended his sympathies to the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, the Ohi Otenyiete of Ebira Land, Alhaji Isa Ozi-Salami, who is the deceased’s younger brother, as well as the late leader’s family and the entire Ebira people.
Governor Ododo prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the soul of the departed and for strength and solace for those left behind to bear the loss.
Born in 1939, Alhaji Salihu Ozi-Salami was appointed District Head of Adavi in 1994. He lived a life of service and integrity until his passing at 86. His remains have been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites at his residence in Ogaminana.
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