- Stresses importance of continuous training for public servants.
Kogi State Auditor General, Alhaji Yakubu Okala, has urged the public to actively engage with the government, ask questions, and hold officials accountable.
He also charged those in government should take their responsibilities seriously.
Okala made this known while delivering a presentation during an Executive Training on Simple Procurement Procedure and Audit Exercise, emphasizing the critical need for continuous training and retraining of public servants.
In his paper presentation titled “The Role of Public Officers in the Efficient and Effective Delivery of Public Goods and Services and How to Avoid Audit Pitfalls”‘, Alhaji Okala highlighted the necessity of regular skill enhancement, comparing it to a knife that must be sharpened over time to maintain its effectiveness.
He noted that the training had equipped participants with the necessary skills to return to their offices and effectively fulfill their mandates, ultimately contributing to a better society.
“The key takeaway for all participants today should be the importance of ongoing training. Just as a knife needs regular sharpening to remain effective, so too do the skills of our public servants,” he stated.
He advised participants to take the contents of the training and the recommendations seriously, especially in handling public funds with integrity.
“No one should misuse public funds for personal gain, as it ultimately leads nowhere. We should strive to leave a better society for future generations rather than pursuing myopic and selfish interests,” Alhaji Okala added.
Commending Governor Usman Ododo for approving the training early in his administration and providing the necessary funding, Alhaji Okala expressed optimism about the future of Kogi State.
“His Excellency has shown exemplary leadership, giving hope to the citizens of Kogi State. With sustained efforts, we can create a state that others will emulate.”
Alhaji Okala further called for collective responsibility in changing the narrative around civil service and commission management.
“With a common goal and collective effort, we will achieve our objectives,” he concluded.
