……Dedicates Victory to Ododo, Kogi People
By Emma Ikpeama
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.
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 converged to deliberate on issues affecting the auditing profession, public financial management and accountability at the grassroots. 
The newly elected Chairman dedicated his emergence to the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the people of the state, describing the honour as both a recognition of his professional contributions and a call to greater responsibility.
In his acceptance speech, Adabenege expressed appreciation to his colleagues for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to provide purposeful leadership that would advance the objectives of the Forum, strengthen professional collaboration and promote sound auditing standards across local governments and area councils.
He said his emergence at a conference hosted by Kogi State was particularly significant, noting that it reflected the values of professionalism, integrity and commitment to public service which, according to him, the state continues to promote.
Adabenege stressed that auditors have a critical responsibility beyond examining financial records, as they are expected to safeguard public resources, promote transparency and ensure that government funds are applied responsibly for the benefit of citizens.
“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.”
He further charged members of the Forum to remain committed to professionalism, independence, integrity and diligence in the discharge of their duties, stressing that effective auditing is central to improving governance and service delivery at the local government level.
According to him, the people at the grassroots look up to auditors as important guardians of public accountability and, therefore, auditors must be courageous enough to perform their duties without fear or favour.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government has congratulated Adabenege on his emergence as Chairman of the national forum, describing his election as a 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, on behalf of the Governor and the people of Kogi State, congratulated Adabenege on his emergence and expressed confidence that he would bring his wealth of experience to bear in providing purposeful leadership to the national forum.
He stated that Adabenege’s emergence was a source of immense pride to Kogi State and a testament to his commitment to the growth of the auditing profession.
Fanwo said the election demonstrated the confidence Adabenege’s colleagues have in his capacity, experience and professional disposition, adding that his elevation had further projected Kogi State positively at the national level.
He noted that the honour was particularly significant because it came during the 30th Conference of the Forum being hosted in Lokoja, saying the development further underscored Kogi’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and responsible public administration.
“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,” Fanwo said.
The Commissioner also linked the development to the leadership and institutional environment created by the Ododo administration, which he said places a premium on transparency, accountability, professionalism and prudent management of public resources.
Fanwo said Governor Ododo’s commitment to strengthening institutions and promoting responsible governance had continued to create an environment where professionals in the state could excel and gain recognition beyond Kogi.
He described Adabenege’s emergence as not only a personal achievement but also a moment of honour for Governor Ododo and the entire people of Kogi State.
The Commissioner assured that the Ododo administration would continue to support institutions and initiatives that promote transparency, accountability and probity in the management of public resources, particularly at the grassroots where government is closest to the people.
He also expressed confidence that the 30th Conference of the Forum would produce practical recommendations capable of strengthening public financial management and professional auditing across the country.
