Nigeria, March 4, 2016 – Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode today called on accountants in the state’s public service to shun all forms of corruption and live above board.
The governor who was speaking at the 8th Retreat for Lagos State Accountants organized by the State Treasury Office said that as custodians and managers of financial resources, the state accountants must ensure strict adherence to rules and uphold ethics of the profession, adding that “we must live above board, act professionally and resist the temptation to compromise our personal integrity.”
He explained that ongoing anti-corruption and re-orientation efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari presented a unique opportunity for all to key into the Treasury Single Account, TSA, policy and other initiatives being implemented by the State Government.
He said that the TSA is aimed at promoting accountability and transparency as well as ensuring reduction in the cost of governance.
Ambode stated that the theme of the retreat, “Public Sector Accountants as Agents of Change,” was apt for the current situation the nation had found itself calls for the application of accounting competencies in addressing the myriad of challenges facing the nation’s economy.
“At this time, we must transcend being mere accountants and become public finance management professionals who will use innovation and creativity to ensure efficient management of resources as well as expanding our resource base,” Ambode said.
Speaking through the Deputy Governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, the governor said “this is the challenge which the over 638 professional accountants in the State Public Service must rise up to.”
The governor enjoined accountants to embrace the spirit of change, think outside the box, employ universally accepted principles of accounting and become not just book keepers but financial solution providers to the government.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary/Accountant General, Mrs. Abimbola Umar charged the accountants to develop positive attitude and face major challenges towards ensuring timely and qualitative service delivery at all times.
