Account Officers in the Ogun State Civil/Public Service have been called upon to continue to uphold the principles of integrity, accountability, transparency, diligence, confidentiality and professionalism in the day to day discharge of their statutory responsibilities.

The Head of Service, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka made the call when he declared open a 2-day requisite course for the career progression of Account Officers in the Executive Cadre, with the theme "Enhancing Manpower Development for Effective Service Delivery", held at the Conference Hall of the Ogun State Drug and Health Commodities Management Agency (OGDHCMA), Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

According to him, possessing the aforementioned values would guide their conduct throughout their careers, and reminded them that public funds entrusted to them are for the benefits of the citizens and not for personal advantage, hence, their actions and decisions must be guided by public interest as well as strict adherence to established rules and regulations.

"The Middle Financial Management Course was specifically designed for Executive Officers (Accounts) in the Ogun State Civil/Public Service. This training is particularly significant as it was conducted in line with the provisions of the Schemes of Service for the career progression of the Executive Officers (Accounts) cadre. It is therefore not merely an opportunity to acquire knowledge but also an important platform for professional development, career advancement, improved competence and effective service delivery", he said.

The Head of Service appreciated the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his continued efforts at prioritizing capacity building, professionalism and transformation of the Public Service into a more efficient, responsive and citizen-centred institution and added that it was in furtherance of his administration’s ISEYA mantra and vision of “Building Our Future Together,” agenda that he places a premium on developing a competent and dedicated workforce, capable of driving sustainable development and delivering quality service to the people of Ogun State.

"The role of this cadre in the Public Service cannot be overemphasized. Financial expertise constitutes a major instrument through which government translates its policies, programmes and development agenda into tangible benefits for the people. Consequently, officers entrusted with financial responsibilities must possess the requisite knowledge, skills, integrity and professional discipline required for the prudent and effective management of public funds", he said.

In separate goodwill messages, the Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Commission, Mr. Jola Oyeneye, his counterpart from the Ministry of Environment, Dr. Kafayat Lawal and the Accountant General/ PS, Treasury, Mr. Olalekan Taiwo, as well as the Moderator, Pst. Bimbo Alagbe, urged the participants to use the rare opportunity to garner all that is needed to improve on their performance, inculcate new trends in accounting and be fully prepared to go back to their various offices to make positive impacts.

They thanked the State Governor for the approval as the training and retraining sessions keep.getting better by the day and charged the participants not to let the kind gesture go to waste but justify the confidence reposed in them for been chosen as participants.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Establishments and Training, Mr. Akintomiwa Osibodu said the training was designed to strengthen professional competence, broaden understanding of financial management practices and equip with the adequate knowledge and skills required for effective performance and career progression within the Service.

He said since government recognises that a modern and effective Public Service depends largely on the quality of its human resources by putting in place the training, the Account Officers must make use of the knowledge gained for optimal performance when carrying out their official duties.

In separate interviews, Mr. Ahmed Balogun from the Ministry of Health and Mrs. Iyabo Olanbiwonninu from the Ogun State Television submitted that the training has widened their horizons as they are returning to their offices better equipped and determined to discharge their duties more efficiently.

Papers delivered included 'Current Financial and Tax Policies with its Effects on Nigeria Economy" as well as "Ogun State Procurement Process and Requirements".