By Adegboyega Segun
The Kogi State Auditor General for Local Governments, Alhaji Yakubu Adabenege, has emerged Chairman of the Forum of Auditors General for Local Governments and Area Councils in Nigeria, dedicating his emergence to the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, and the people of Kogi State.
Adabenege emerged at the 30th Conference of the Forum, currently holding in Lokoja, Kogi State, bringing together Auditors General for Local Governments and Area Councils from across the country to deliberate on issues affecting the auditing profession and the promotion of accountability at the grassroots.
His emergence has been described as a significant recognition of Kogi State’s contribution to the auditing profession, with Adabenege expressing appreciation to his colleagues for the confidence reposed in him and dedicating the honour to the Governor and the people of the state.
In his acceptance speech, Adabenege expressed appreciation to his colleagues for the confidence reposed in him, describing his emergence as both an honour and a call to greater responsibility.
He said he was particularly proud to receive the mandate at a conference hosted by Kogi State, noting that his emergence was a reflection of the values of professionalism, integrity and commitment to public service which he said the state continues to promote.
Adabenege pledged to provide purposeful leadership that would advance the objectives of the Forum, strengthen professional collaboration among members and promote standards that would deepen accountability and fiscal responsibility in local government administration.
“I deeply appreciate my colleagues for the confidence they have reposed in me by entrusting me with this responsibility. I accept this honour with a profound sense of duty and a clear understanding of the expectations that come with it.”
“Our task is not merely to audit figures; it is to safeguard public resources, strengthen accountability and ensure that the resources meant for our people are applied responsibly. The grassroots deserve nothing less.”
The Kogi State Auditor General also charged members of the Forum to remain committed to professionalism, integrity and diligence, stressing that their work has a direct bearing on the quality of governance and service delivery at the local government level.
He noted that the people at the grassroots look up to auditors as important guardians of public accountability, urging members to discharge their responsibilities without fear or favour.
“The people at the grassroots look up to us to ensure that public resources are properly accounted for. We must therefore remain professional, independent and courageous in the discharge of our duties, because the strength of local governance is closely tied to the strength of its accountability systems.”
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government has congratulated Adabenege on his emergence as Chairman of the national forum, describing his election as a recognition of his professional competence, experience and commitment to the growth of the auditing profession.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the State Government said Adabenege’s emergence was a source of immense pride to Kogi State and a testament to his “undoubted commitment to the growth of the profession.”
Fanwo said the elevation of the Kogi State Auditor General for Local Governments to lead the national body was a reflection of the confidence his colleagues have in his capacity, experience and professional disposition.
He said the state was particularly proud that the honour came during the 30th Conference of the Forum being hosted in Lokoja, adding that the development further placed Kogi State in the spotlight as a state committed to professionalism, accountability and responsible public administration.
“The emergence of Alhaji Yakubu Adabenege as Chairman of the Forum is a recognition of his undoubted commitment to the growth of the auditing profession and his dedication to the principles of accountability and fiscal responsibility.”
“For us in Kogi State, this is a moment of pride. It is also a reminder that excellence, professionalism and commitment to duty will always attract recognition. We are confident that Alhaji Adabenege will bring his wealth of experience to bear in providing purposeful leadership to the Forum.”
The Commissioner said the emergence of Adabenege was also a reflection of the leadership and institutional environment created by the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, which, he said, places a premium on accountability, transparency, professionalism and prudent management of public resources.
Fanwo said the Governor’s commitment to strengthening institutions and promoting responsible governance had continued to create an environment in which professionals across the state could excel and earn recognition beyond Kogi.
He said the Adabenege’s emergence should therefore be seen not only as a personal achievement but also as a moment of honour for Governor Ododo and the entire people of Kogi State.
The Commissioner said the Ododo Administration would continue to support institutions and initiatives that promote transparency, accountability and probity in the management of public resources, particularly at the grassroots where government is closest to the people.
“The Kogi State Government pledges its full support to the Forum as it pursues its mandate of strengthening transparency, accountability and probity at the Local Government level. We believe that a stronger accountability framework will ultimately translate into better governance and improved service delivery for our people.”
Fanwo further congratulated the new Chairman and other members of the Forum, wishing them a successful conference and a productive tenure.
He said Kogi State was honoured to host the 30th Conference and expressed confidence that the deliberations would produce practical recommendations capable of strengthening public financial management and professional auditing across the country.
He reiterated the congratulations of the Governor and the people of Kogi State to Adabenege, describing his emergence as a collective achievement that the state would proudly celebrate.
