By Suleiman Abdulmumin
As part of activities marking his second anniversary in office, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has commissioned a state-of-the-art Audit House in the Zone 8 area of Lokoja, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transparency and fiscal discipline.
The modern facility is designed to strengthen institutional accountability and provide a professional working environment for state and local government auditors, reinforcing the government’s drive for responsible public finance management.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ododo said the Audit House represents his administration’s respect for the taxpayers of Kogi State and its determination to ensure that public resources are judiciously managed.
“Our goal is to leave Kogi State better than we met it,” the governor said, adding that the new facility will empower auditors to carry out their duties effectively and independently.He noted that the building will serve as the operational base for the State Auditor-General, Alhaji Yakubu Okala (FCA), and the Auditor-General for Local Governments, Hon. Dr. Siyaka Yakubu Adabenege (FCNA), as part of efforts to institutionalize transparency across all levels of government.
The Special Guest of Honour and former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori (O.CON), commended the Ododo administration for prioritizing accountability, describing the project as evidence of a leadership committed to transparency and the rule of law.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abanike Taiye, said the Audit House was executed in partnership with Silverpro Integrated Nigeria Limited and built to international standards to meet the needs of the auditing profession.
Also speaking, the Auditor-General of the Federation, Shaakaa Kanyior, praised Kogi State for setting the pace in sub-national audit reforms, noting that the project aligns with national efforts to strengthen public sector accountability.
The Chairman of the Association of Auditors in Nigeria, Sir Sunday Adegoke, described the facility as a major boost to the profession, adding that the recent sponsorship of all 21 Local Government Auditors for specialized training by the state government demonstrates a holistic approach to capacity building.
Representing the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Comfort, highlighted the critical role of the audit department in legislative oversight and urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies to cooperate fully with auditors to ensure prudent management of state resources.
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tijani Anaje, offered prayers for the governor and commended the pace of development across the state.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, legislators, top civil servants, traditional rulers and community leaders.