Adabenege emerges chairman of Auditors General Forum, dedicates victory to Ododo, Kogi people

By Florence Kalu

The Kogi State Auditor-General for Local Governments, Alhaji Yakubu Adabenege, has emerged Chairman of the Forum of Auditors-General for Local Governments and Area Councils in Nigeria, pledging to strengthen accountability and safeguard public resources at the grassroots.

Adabenege emerged at the 30th Conference of the Forum currently holding in Lokoja, Kogi State, where Auditors-General for Local Governments and Area Councils from across the country gathered to deliberate on professional standards, public financial management and accountability at the grassroots.

He dedicated his emergence to the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the people of the state, describing the new responsibility as both an honour and a call to greater service.

In his acceptance speech, Adabenege expressed appreciation to his colleagues for the confidence reposed in him, promising to provide purposeful leadership that would advance the objectives of the Forum and strengthen professional collaboration among its members.

He said the new leadership would focus on promoting high professional standards, fiscal responsibility and effective auditing practices capable of improving the management of public resources at the local government level.

“I deeply appreciate my colleagues for the confidence they have reposed in me by entrusting me with this responsibility. I accept this honour with a profound sense of duty and a clear understanding of the expectations that come with it.”

According to him, the responsibility of auditors goes beyond examining financial records, stressing that their work is central to protecting public resources and ensuring that funds meant for the people are deployed responsibly.

“Our task is not merely to audit figures; it’s to safeguard public resources, strengthen accountability and ensure that the resources meant for our people are applied responsibly. The grassroots deserve nothing less.”

Adabenege charged members of the Forum to remain professional, independent and courageous in the discharge of their duties, noting that the quality of accountability at the local government level has a direct bearing on governance and service delivery.

He urged auditors to discharge their responsibilities without fear or favour, particularly because local government remains the level of government closest to the people.

“The people at the grassroots look up to us to ensure that public resources are properly accounted for. We must therefore remain professional, independent and courageous in the discharge of our duties, because the strength of local governance is closely tied to the strength of its accountability systems.”

His emergence was subsequently welcomed by the Kogi State Government, which described it as recognition of his professional competence, experience and commitment to the auditing profession.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, congratulated Adabenege, describing his emergence as a source of pride to Kogi State.

Fanwo said the election demonstrated the confidence that Adabenege’s professional colleagues had in his capacity and experience, particularly as the development occurred during the 30th conference being hosted by the state.

“The emergence of Adabenege is a recognition of his undoubted commitment to the growth of the auditing profession and his dedication to the principles of accountability and fiscal responsibility.”

The Commissioner said the state was confident that Adabenege would bring his experience to bear in providing effective leadership for the national body.

“For us in Kogi State, this is a moment of pride. It’s also a reminder that excellence, professionalism and commitment to duty will always attract recognition. We’re confident that Alhaji Adabenege will bring his wealth of experience to bear in providing purposeful leadership to the Forum.”

Fanwo also linked the development to what he described as the institutional environment created by the Ododo administration, which he said places emphasis on accountability, transparency, professionalism and prudent management of public resources.

He noted that Adabenege’s elevation should be regarded not only as a personal achievement but also as an honour for the Governor and the people of Kogi State.

The Commissioner said the state government would continue to support initiatives and institutions promoting transparency, probity and accountability in the management of public resources, particularly at the grassroots.

He expressed confidence that the deliberations at the 30th conference would produce practical recommendations capable of strengthening public financial management and professional auditing across the country.

Fanwo reiterated the congratulations of Governor Ododo and the people of Kogi State to Adabenege, describing his emergence as a collective achievement for the state.

The development also places Kogi State at the centre of discussions on strengthening audit institutions and financial accountability in Nigeria’s local government system, with Adabenege expected to use his new position to deepen collaboration among auditors across the country.