Auditors in the ogun State civil service  have been reminded of their roles as watchdogs of  government finances, operations, promoting good governance through efficient use of resources and adherence to regulations.

The Auditor-General for State, Mr Lateef Balogun  made the remark while declaring open a two day In - House training for Staffers of his office, at the Conference Room, Oke- Mosan,Abeokuta.      

He advised the Staff to lead positive Change through integrity, adaptability and excellence paying attention to their mental health, in order to remain productive.

According to him, it is the duties of the Auditors to evaluate internal control to prevent fraud, waste or mismanagement, report findings, highlight issues, recommending improvement and promoting accountability.        

One of the resources and the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Public Service Reform ( BPSR), Mr Jola Oyeneye,  who presented a paper on"Being the Change Agent as an Auditor and a Civil Servant", said auditors are natural change agents that have unique position, combination of visibility, access, independence and authority.

 "Auditors see across silos, the entire system, connections, gaps and opportunities which others cannot see. The power of Auditors are beyond traditional financial auditing, their opinions trigger investigations, legislative hearing and discipline actions".                         

 "As an Auditor, you have a constitutional mandate, the professional capacity, and the moral responsibility to be a catalyst for Public Service transformation", he affirmed.             

Speaking of " Mental Awareness and Stress Management",  another resource person from the State Hospital, Ijaye, Dr. Adefisayo Otunaya, described mental health awareness as the movement towards mental well-being, reducing the stigma around mental illness, promoting understanding and empathy for those affected, encouraging early intervention and support in order to promote healthy productive life.     

 She noted that mental health disorder was a common phenomenon all over the world,  affecting the health of all humans, irrespective of the age, sex, profession,socio    economic class or race.

 "Depression affect about 12.6 to 20% of adolescent, 2.5 to 53% of adults Nigerian", Otunaya said.                      

She encouraged the Auditor to live a healthy life by seeking help from health personel, plan and execute balance nutrition for the family, engage in regular check up,  exercise, and setting priorities right, among others.

She encourage them to avoid negative stressful conditions, connect with friends, learn to say no, limit overspending but rather save to invest wisely.                   

Contributing, the  Director of Government Account in the Office of the Auditor-General (State ),  Mr. Mofeoluwa Adeliyi, presented a paper on "Audit Guide", emphasised that all spendings by government at various levels must be budgeted and approved by the sub -head, highlighting some of the records/ documents required in carrying out audit of Government Expenditures to include,  last 2 Audit Inspection report, Budget/ Approved Estimate, Bank Statements, Cheque register, Personal Advance Ledger and Inventory Movement register.                       

 Similarly, a paper on "Fire Safety and Emergency Response" was presented by the Director of Fire Services, Engr. Fatai Adefala, defining fire safety as the series of attained measures, practices, activities orientation or education geared towards saving precious lives and property through the means of control,  to mitigate the effects of fire. 

 Adefala cautioned that people should raise alarm and leave the building by the nearest available exit,  in case of fire incident.

"Do not panic, do not push or pull others, quickly call the Fire Service. Do not stop to collect personal belongings, Do not take risks, remain calm at the assembly point, Do not re-enter until it is save.  in the case of fire outbreak", he advised.

 Two of the participants at the training, Mr . Olajide Oyediran and Mrs Deborah Olabode appreciate the State Government on behalf of others, saying papers delivered would help them in carrying out their activities as  Civil Servants.                

Sururat Odusanya.       IPRO  Office of the Auditor General ( State)