Kogi
Public Sector Reforms Failure: Don calls for fiscal discipline
***Effective Utilisation Of Resources, Curb Corruption
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
PROF. Olajide Ifedayo Ibietan of Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has called for fiscal discipline, robust financial management practices and effective utilisation of national and human resources at the central and sub-national governments in Nigeria.
Prof. Ibietan made the call while delivering the 21st Inaugural Lecture of the FUL with the topic: ”Why Reforms Fail Nigeria’s Bureaucracy: A Public Administrationist’s perspective” on Wednesday in Lokoja.
The Professor of Public Administration attributed the failure of Nigerian public sector reforms to numerous factors including the Fraud Triangle as a factor for corruption; obvious manifestation of Peter Principle; weak public accountability mechanism as well as structural barriers
Others are the issue of corruption underscored by the phenomenon of Fraud Triangle; ethical deficits resulting from attitudinal slant and ineffective implementation of laws as well as unhelpful and unnecessary partisanship of bureaucratic and governing elites and bureaucratic rigidities
He said that to address the malignant tumour in the nation’s public bureaucracy, governance and public affairs, fiscal discipline with robust and effective utilisation of resources must be prioritised.
The Inaugural Lecturer noted that stiffer penalties and objective or determined implementation of necessary sanctions would be required to permanently address the hydra-headed monster of corruption in public service saying, “An illness that defies medication will ultimately kill.
He advocated government strengthening of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative saying it will enable governments (across tiers) to divest themselves of functions or services in which they have the least comparative advantage
Prof. Ibietan further pointed out the need for the entrenchment of a culture of robust citizen engagement with leaders through constructive dialogue and feedback describing it as a major platform for facilitating bottom-top approach to governance.
The Don further called for conscious and deliberate efforts toward a total de-politicisation of institutions saddled with ensuring moral rectitude, probity and accountability in Nigeria’s public sector.
“There is a need for Academic Practitioners’ synergy obtainable in some countries (South Africa and Kenya) on the continent to solve problems in Nigeria’s public bureaucracy”, he said.
In Opening address, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, said Inaugural lectures held a special place in the academic tradition of the university.
He said that they serve as a platform for showcasing the intellectual prowess and scholarly contributions of “our esteemed professors.”
Prof. Akinwumi said that the subject of the 21st Inaugural Lecture, “Why Reforms Fail in Nigeria’s Public Bureaucracy: A Public Administrationist’s Perspective”, was central to the development and progress of Nigeria.
“The public bureaucracy, as we all know, is the engine room of government policies and programmes. However, it is also a system that has been plagued with challenges, inefficiencies, and, as Professor Ibietan will argue, a track record of reform failures.
“We are confident that Professor Ibietan will bring his extensive knowledge and experience to this discussion. The timing of this lecture could not be more pertinent
“As Nigeria stands at a crossroads in its development, the question of how to effectively reform our public institutions is more pressing than ever”, he said. (Ends)
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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