Osun State Government, through the office of Auditor-General has audited and presented its 2015 and 2016 audited accounts to the public.
The presentation for the two fiscal years made Osun the pace setter among the six participating states in the States and Local Governance Reform (SLOGOR) Project, which comprise of Anambra, Cross River, Jigawa, Kano and Yobe States.
The programme which was organized by the office of the Auditor-General in the state in collaboration with the SLOGOR Project (EU/World Bank Assisted) was held in Osogbo.
Presenting the Audited Accounts for the two fiscal years, the State Auditor-General, Mr Folorunso Adesina, put the total revenue for 2015 at N85.9 billion, while the total recurrent expenditure was N66.9billion and total capital expenditure was put at N17.9.billion.
He added that the total revenue for 2016 was N91.5billion while the total recurrent expenditure for the same year was N61.1billion and total capital expenditure was N28.3billion respectively.
Adesina said the audit was conducted in accordance with international standard on auditing as applicable to the public sector and the provisions of section 125(5) of the constitution.
According to him, in compliance with the provisions of section 125(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, “I have examined the accounts and the financial statements of the state government of Osun for the year ending 31st December, 2015.
“In my opinion, projects and programmes executed were satisfactory in consideration of fund employed, as financial statements and related schedules gave a true and fair view of the state government of Osun as at 31st December, 2015 and 31st December, 2016 respectively”.
The State Project Coordinator of SLOGOR Mr Yemi Ijidele commended Aregbesola’s administration for its accountability, prudent management of resources and for following financial best practices.
Ijidele noted that the Aregbesola’s administration has shown to the world the extreme commitment to good governance as being reflected in the myriads of achievements that the state has made since inception.
He described Osun as one of the few states in Nigeria where government’s commitment to accountability, transparency, probity and openness in the management of the public treasury took the centre stage.
According to him, this forum is a demonstration of innovation in public financial management as the people of the state will be fully exposed to the way and manner with which their resources are managed and administered.
He said that Governor Aregbesola has continuously shown great love and passion for good governance that has accountability, transparency and probity as bedrock.
“In line with Mr. Governor’s policy of transparency, probity and accountability in governance, he gave approval for organizations in which this Audit Forum is to further promote the openness of the present administration.
“The Audit Forum is a platform whereby the Auditor-General presents the Audited Accounts of the State Government to the public for comments and observations of the people.
“It is a great thing that out of the six participating states in SLOGOR project (Anambra, Cross River, Jigawa, Kano, Yobe and Osun), it is only Osun state that has been able to organize Audit Forum to update the public on 2016 financial accounts ahead of other participating states.
“This forum will also facilitate the commitment of International Donor Agencies (IDAs) to assist the State Government in critical sectors that will impact positively on the living standard of the generality of the people”, Ijidele added.
The Chairman House Committee on Public Account in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Olalekan Afolabi hailed the Aregbesola’s administration for prioritizing transparency, accountability, probity and openness in governance.
He said the House has a robust and warm relationship with the Aregbesola’s administration due to the state’s commitment to good governance and accountability in government.
Also, the Head of Service, Dr. Olowogboyega Oyebade, said Osun government has demonstrated the sincerity of purpose in the management of public funds.
“Through this, our state has fulfilled one of the critical steps by the Federal Government in her Fiscal Sustainability Plan as the hosting of Audit Forum is bound to spur both national and international investors to bring their capital into the state.
