The Kogi State governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has urged directors of local government and treasurers to uphold local government autonomy and professional ethics in discharging their responsibilities.
Governor Ododo stated this at an interactive session with the Forum of Directors of Local Government and Treasurers at the Government House in Lokoja.
A statement issued by the special adviser on media to the governor, Ismaila Isah, yesterday said the governor, who charged the local government administrators to see themselves as representatives of the government at the grassroots, noted that their performance as top civil servants would strengthen the relationship between the government and the people and bring about more development in local government administration.
Governor Ododo commended the resilience and productivity of the DLGs and Treasurers, stressing that their importance in ensuring accurate records and upholding professional ethics, particularly among accountants in the public sector, is crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
While urging the DLGs to support treasurers in addressing challenges in local government administration, Governor Ododo called for unity among officials, encouraging them to rally around the accountant general of the state, Habiba Onumoko, to ensure the delivery of dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots.
In his remarks, the speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon Aliyu Umar, commended Governor Ododo’s transparency and accountability as a leader and promised that the legislature will continue to support the governor in his efforts to take governance closer to the people at the grassroots.
In her welcome address, Kogi State accountant general Habiba Onumoko highlighted Governor Ododo’s contributions to grassroots development, empowerment of youth and women and employment opportunities, and appointment into government positions, describing the governor as a man of impact and an embodiment of humility.
The chairman of the forum of DLGs in Kogi State, Alhaji Aliyu Musa, expressed gratitude to the governor for approving the 72,500 minimum wage for workers in the state and other initiatives that he noted have enhanced the welfare of civil servants.
He also commended the state’s accountant general for her guidance and professionalism in discharging her responsibilities.
