Adebayo Adenrele
The Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI) has named Ekiti and Yobe States as subnational audit efficacy index 2023 joint leaders.
PLSI explained that the “aim of the SAE INDEX 2023 is to identify areas government institutions at subnational level require support to optimize their public finance management and policy implementation practices, improve existing accountability structures and accelerate development.”
The nonprofit organization which was established in 2016 to promote accountability, good governance, and development in marginalized and underserved communities, uses research, advocacy, civic tech, public sensitization, multi-stakeholder dialogue, and collaboration to make government and policies work for marginalized communities.
With this award, PLSI is supporting State Auditor-General offices, Public Accounts Committees, Anti-Corruption Agencies, and Non-State Actors, including Civil Society Organizations, Community-Based Associations, Professional Associations, Social Influencers, and the media, to strengthen compliance with public audit requirements and improve demand for accountability in five states.
PLSI is also conducting an annual ranking of state audit practices to stimulate collective action and strengthen audit practices across the 36 states with the aim of contributing to Nigeria’s anti-corruption goal and help reduce corruption in the country.
Reacting to the development, Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun said that placing the State first on the Subnational Audit Efficacy (SAE) Index 2023 by Subnational Audit Efficacy (SAE) Index 2023 was a well-deserved accolade and a result of the commitment of the Biodun Oyebanji’s administration to accountability and transparency while looking after the general wellbeing of the people and rapidly developing the State.
According to him, Governor Oyebanji is leading by example with his display of commitment to following rules and regulations, transparency and accountability as well as blocking all leakages in Government resources.
“Mr. Governor will not allow any form of waste in Government resources. His commitment to ensuring value for every kobo spent is phenomenon and he always ensures openness and transparency in all public endeavors.
“The recent purchase of six Double cabin Toyota Tacoma pickup vans for the zonal offices of the Auditor General for Local Governments is but one of the efforts of Mr. Governor to ensure accountability”, he said.
Assuring that the administration would not relent efforts in developing the State and making life more meaningful for residents,
Olatunbosun solicited the continued support of all stakeholders for the administration, stressing that their unwavering support would make the task easier and more achievable.