By Oiza Bello
Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building systems that protect the public interest, strengthen institutions, and promote inclusive development.
The Governor gave the assurance while commissioning the Kogi State Audit House in Lokoja as part of activities marking his second year in office.
Governor Ododo said the Audit House was not merely an administrative complex but a symbol of collective resolve by stakeholders in good governance to uphold integrity, professionalism, and transparency in the management of public resources.
He asserted that the facility should inspire other states to deliberately invest in strong institutional frameworks that support effective oversight and responsible governance.
According to him, the Audit House will enhance operational efficiency, promote inter-audit collaboration, and improve record management across the state’s audit system.
The Governor also announced the signing of a four-year Memorandum of Understanding between the Office of the Auditor-General for Kogi State and the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, aimed at capacity building and technical support at no cost to the state.
Alhaji Ododo noted that ongoing national reforms in public finance management, institutional accountability, and economic restructuring under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration have created an enabling environment for states to implement impactful projects that strengthen transparency and improve service delivery.
In his remarks, the Auditor-General for Kogi State, Mr. Yakubu Okala, described the commissioning of the Audit House as the fulfilment of a decade-long vision.
He recalled that although approval for the project was granted in 2016, it remained stalled until Governor Ododo assumed office.
Mr. Okala pledged that auditors in the state would ensure that every public resource was properly tracked and deployed strictly for its intended purpose.
Also speaking, the Auditor-General for Local Governments, Mr. Yakubu Adabenege, commended Governor Ododo for strengthening the role of auditors and providing a professional working environment that enhances oversight across the 21 local government areas of the state.
Edited by Ajifa Ainoko
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