ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, reiterated his administration’s commitment to the highest standards of ethical conduct, fiscal discipline, and judicious allocation of resources at the Delta State Audit Forum held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba. The event was attended by Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, and the State Head of Service, Mr. Reginald Bayoko, among others.
Represented by his Senior Policy Adviser, Chief Funkekeme Solomon, Governor Oborevwori urged participants to embrace collaboration and cooperation among audit stakeholders, including government agencies, oversight bodies, and the public.
“This Forum reflects our commitment to transparency, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence in public service,” said Governor Oborevwori. “The role of auditors in public administration and financial management cannot be overemphasised. In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, characterized by technological changes and complex fiscal challenges, it is imperative to have a robust and functional auditing that enables good governance, transparency, and financial accountability.”
The Governor emphasized the need to adopt and adapt to emerging trends and embrace innovative approaches to enhance audit processes, strengthen internal controls, and safeguard against fraud and mismanagement.
Chairman House Committee on Public Accounts, Chief James Augoye, highlighted the importance of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) as an oversight tool for ensuring transparency, accountability, and proper utilization of public funds in democratic governments. He noted that the committee was established by the provisions of section 125(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as altered) and in line with Order XV, Rule 110 of the Standing Orders of the House.
Welcoming guests earlier, the State Auditor General, Mrs. Veronica Okonji, said the Forum was organized to interact with stakeholders on changes in audit practice for better service delivery. She emphasized the significance of the timing of the Forum following the passage of the State Audit Law 2021, the Procurement Law, the introduction of performance audit, and the adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS) Accrual, among others.
