By Ojotule Romanus
As part of activities marking his second anniversary in office, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Odoodo inaugurated the new Kogi State Audit House.
The event drew a broad section of stakeholders, including former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, who assisted by Governor Ododo, unveil the magnificent project, which many described as a significant milestone in infrastructural development in the state.
Speaking during the official commissioning of the project, located along Zone 8 road in Lokoja, Governor Ododo desclosed that the initiative was designed to amongst other things, enhance operational efficiency, promote Inter- audit collaboration, improve record management and digital transition and most importantly, strengthening the credibility of public financial oversight in the state.
Governor Ododo who expressed satisfaction with the level of progress made within the short period in office,attributed the achievements recorded so far to God and his administration’s resolve to serve the state and it’s citizens with all sense of dedication and humility.
He pointed out that the event was not merely about unveiling a new physical structure but a reaffirmation of a collective commitment to public accountability, openness, transparency, and responsible governance.
He further emphasised that he had made it clear from the very beginning of his administration that governance must be anchored on strong institutions, credible systems, and transparent processes adding that the edifice stands as a practical demonstration of that philosophy.
“I must, at this point, pay special tribute to my predecessor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, for his foresight and commitment to good governance and transparency. The project we are commissioning today was conceived and initiated under his leadership. It reflects a clear understanding that sustainable development is driven not only by policies, but by enduring institutions that outlive administrations. I acknowledge and commend that vision, and I am pleased that our administration has brought this important project to completion for the benefit of our State.
“I wish to also place on record my sincere appreciation to the Kogi State House of Assembly and the distinguished members of the State Executive Council for their invaluable contributions to the successful completion of this project. Through timely legislative support, constructive oversight, and executive diligence in approvals and implementation, this important initiative was given the institutional backing required to move from vision to reality. Your collective commitment once again demonstrates that when the arms of government work in harmony, development outcomes are accelerated for the benefit of our people.
According to him, “the Kogi State Audit House is a world-class facility and, to the best of our knowledge, the first of its kind in Nigeria, specially constructed to house both the Office of the Auditor-General for the State and the Office of the Auditor-General for Local Governments under one purpose-built, professionally designed complex. This is not by accident; it is a deliberate statement of our belief in strengthening audit institutions at the sub-national level and providing them with the administrative environment required to function independently, efficiently, and professionally.”
Governor Ododo also desclosed the formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on capacity building between the Office of the Auditor-General of Kogi State and the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation just as he commended the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation for providing the professional support for four (4) years completely free of charge.
The partnership he added, reflects his administration’s shared commitment to professional development, knowledge exchange, and continuous improvement in public sector audit practice.
He further expressed confidence that this collaboration would go along way in strengthening technical capacity, promoting modern audit methodologies, supporting compliance with national and international standards as well as deepening the impact of audit in promoting accountability and value for money.
Even as he assured of his administration’s full cooperation and institutional support towords ensuring the successful implementation of the MoU.
Governor Ododo used the occasion to commend the Auditor-General for Kogi State, Alhaji Okala Yusuf Yakubu for his leadership, initiative, and professional commitment in driving this partnership.
He went on to acknowledge that by championing the collaboration and positioning Kogi State at the forefront of audit reform at the sub-national level, he has not only advanced the interest of his office but also placed his name and that of Kogi State firmly in the annals of institutional development in Nigeria. “I congratulate you and encourage you to sustain this momentum” the Governor added.
The Governor equally requested the Auditor-General for the Federation to extend similar capacity-building support to the Office of the Auditor-General for Local Governments in the state, without necessarily entering into a separate MoU so both audit Institution’s could grow together in competence and effectiveness.
Towards this end, the Governor directed the Auditor-General of the State to work out the modalities, in collaboration with the Auditor-General for Local Governments so as to ensure that this inclusive approach is implemented in a seamless and coordinated manner.
Governor Ododo further assured the Auditor-General for the Federation of his administration’s commitment to providing all necessary logistics and institutional support required for the smooth execution of the partnership.
In addition , he said he had directed the Auditor-General of the State to ensure that the implementation commences immediately, so that the benefits of the collaboration are not delayed but translated promptly into tangible improvements in audit outcomes.
“I wish, at this juncture, to commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to strengthening governance systems across the country. The ongoing national reforms in public finance management, institutional accountability, and economic restructuring under his administration have created an enabling environment for states to execute impactful projects that strengthen transparency and improve service delivery. We remain fully aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda and deeply appreciate the support extended to sub-national governments.
“I also warmly acknowledge and commend His Excellency, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, former Governor of Delta State, a respected statesman and distinguished son of the Niger Delta, whose presence here today greatly honors this occasion. Your contributions to governance, leadership, and national development continue to inspire many of us, and we are deeply grateful for your solidarity with the Government and people of Kogi State on this historic day.
“As we mark this commissioning, let this facility serve not only as an administrative center, but as a symbol of our collective resolve to uphold integrity, professionalism, and transparency in the management of public resources. It should also stand as a model and inspiration to other states to invest deliberately in institutional frameworks that support effective oversight and responsible governance”. Governor Ododo desclosed.
The Governor used the forum to reaffirm the commitment of his administration to building systems that protect the public interest, strengthen public institutions, and promote inclusive development ; stressing that the Kogi State Audit House represents a major step in that direction.
Earlier, the Kogi State Auditor General, Alhaji Yakubu Okala had desclosed that the project commenced in 2016. And that the completion and the commissioning was a fullfilment of a long time vision.
He pleadged that,” from this Audit House, we promise to put our body and soul into supporting your administration to achieve all its set goals”.
“We shall follow every kobo, every resources deployed to its final intended destination so as to ensure everlasting legacy”. Okala future assured the governor.
Also speaking, the State Auditor General for Local Government, Hon. Yakubu Adabenege while commending the State Governor for the project, was confident that the Audit House would significantly enhance their capacity to effectively monitor, evaluate and report accurately on the financial activities of the LGAs as well as strengthen institutional memory, improve data integrity and ultimately translate into better service delivery.
