- Calls For Vigilant Monitoring Of Transactions, Revenue Drive
By Ifeanyi Uwagwu
To ensure the efficient allocation of scarce resources critical to nation-building and development in the three tiers of government, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has called on the Post-Mortem Committee of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), and the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), to vigilantly monitor transactions in the federation account.
Governor Oborevwori gave this call during the opening ceremony of the three-day retreat, themed: “Efficient Management of the Federation Account”, for members of the FAAC post-mortem sub-committee and RMAFC leadership at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, yesterday.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, welcomed the committee to the state, stating that he was pleased to host the retreat, as Delta is a major oil and gas producing state, which has contributed immensely to the federation account.
He charged them to efficiently carry out their duties, while noting that the theme for this year was apt and timely, due to the current fiscal climate, in addition to calling on the committee to review previous records to ensure that all areas of revenue hitherto not captured would be captured to increase the revenue base of the federation.
He also lauded the efforts of the post-mortem sub-committee for its role in carrying out prompt analysis of revenue-generating agencies as presented to FAAC during their monthly meetings and review of agencies.
In his remarks, the Minister of Finance and coordinating minister of the economy, Mr Wale Edun, stated that the gathering signified a collective resolve for accountability, and transparency in the revenue of the federation to ensure that the federation account serves its purpose robustly. Mr Edun, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilijie, also encouraged the committee to explore innovative solutions to ensure a sustainable future for our country. The Chairman of the Post-Mortem Sub-Committee AlhajiKabirMashi OON, in his remarks, mentioned that as custodians of the Federation Account which is the lifeblood of the nation’s fiscal architecture and conduit for the three tiers of government, they were entrusted with the sacred duty of ensuring prudence of its management and to improve the quality of life of all Nigerians.
The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission Dr Muhammed Shehu remarked that while the Commission had made significant strides, there was still a lot of work to be done in its mission to provide sound advice and implement strategies that promote fiscal responsibility, transparency and equity across all tiers of government. He also extended his heartfelt gratitude to the committee members for their unwavering commitment and dedication to the effective and equitable management of the nation’s resources.
Similarly, the Director General of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Dr. Lateef Shittu, in his goodwill message, stated that the NGF as a partner has continually improved State Fiscal accountability and transparency through several programmes that meet international public sector accounting standards.
Dr.Shittu, represented by Mrs. Olubunmi Akanbi, mentioned that the NGF would continue to throw its support behind policies that will ensure adequate revenue inflow into the federation account and prompt disbursement of allocations to enable states to maximize its economic potential and provide conducive and quality living standards for her citizens.
…. Tasks Wealthy Deltans, Philanthropic Organisations On Development
Delta State Government has called on multi-national companies, Non-governmental Organisations, philanthropic individuals and well to do Deltans both at home and in the diaspora to contribute their quota in fast-tracking sustainable development in all parts of the state. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori made the call while inaugurating a block of six classrooms each in four secondary schools at Ogwashi-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area of the state which were renovated by members of Ogwashi-Uku Association, USA Inc. The four schools that benefited from the association’s gesture were Adaigbo Mixed Secondary School, Comprehensive Secondary School, Saint Roses Girls Grammar School and Nshiagu College all in Ogwashi-Uku.
Rt. Hon. Oborevwori, who commended sons and daughters of Ogwashi-Uku based in the United States of America for their laudable gesture, called on well spirited individuals to follow their footsteps as government alone cannot attend to entire needs of the people. The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, said several road projects have been initiated by the present administration, pointing out that the MORE Agenda of the Oborevwori’s administration was aimed at advancing development in the state.
He said the state has 489 secondary schools, 51,000 employees, 12,900 local government employees as well as other commitments, hence the need for reliable partnership. “I am so happy that you are not just building physical infrastructure, you are also equipping them. So, we would like to thank you for this gesture. “The reward for hard work is more work. So, we expect that many more would be done in the other areas. “They should do things that they will be remembered for. This association, Ogwashi-Uku Development Union, USA, will be remembered for something very good.
“Other communities should borrow a leave from the association as what they have done is something worth emulating.
“As you can see, some critical infrastructure are being executed here in Ogwashi-Uku. You couldn’t have driven past Ibusa all the way to Ogwashi-Uku on that bye-pass, that is a lot of access road, that is an inlet into Ogwashi-Uku. If you don’t do that, how are you going to have access,” he added.
Meanwhile, the governor charged various communities in the state to protect all government projects in their domains from vandals, even as he solicited the support of all in ensuring that peace reigned in all parts of the state. Earlier, Dr. Henrietta Udensi who delivered an address on behalf of members of the association, underscored the importance of education in societal growth and development, adding that it was the best legacy parents can bequeath to their children.
She noted that education was the best investment for sustainable development, pointing out that education will continue to receive the attention of all stakeholders both at the local, state and federal levels in Nigeria, just as she disclosed that it was for this reason that the Ogwashi-Uku Association USA INC decided to embaek on the execution of the projects.
The Executive Assistant to the governor on Community Development, Mr. EmakporOdogwu and other speakers at the ceremony described the projects as laudable and charged students and management of the benefiting schools to put the renovated classrooms blocks into good use.
In their separate remarks, the principals of the four secondary schools who expressed profound appreciation to members of Ogwashi-Uku Association in the United States of America, assured them that they will make good utilisation of the school facilities in addition to protecting them from vandals.
