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…promises judicious use of federal allocation for state development and benefit of all
Osun State will not derail from implementing to the letter all the guidelines and principles of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation And Fiscal Commission as all hands will always be on deck to ensure maximum cooperation with the commission in achieving its objectives in the state.
Osun State Commissioner for Finance, Honourable Adeola Olusola Ogungbile gave the assurance in Osogbo while playing host to RMAFC delegation that came from Abuja to monitor the disbursement of revenue from the federation account to the state and the local governments.
Hon. Ogungbile acknowledged that it is the statutory responsibility of the Commission to on behalf of the Federal Government, xray all the available records of accruals and disbursements to the state, to find out if they are in tandem with what is gotten in order to prevent underpayment and ensure the right usage of the funds.
While commending the delegation for the great work they are doing, Hon. Ogungbile tasked them to do everything within their reach at ensuring that the state have the best of support from the Commission to enhance Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration’s development drive of Osun, promising that whatever the state receives from the federation account would be judiciously used for the benefit of all and sundry.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Dosu Babatunde in his speech extended the goodwill of Governor Adeleke and all local governments in the state to the delegates, assuring them of a hitch-free and successful monitoring exercise.
He then solicited the support of the Commission to all local governments in the state.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development, Professor Morufu Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Yetunde Esan, charged RMAFC to endeavour to institutionalize the process of assessing funds by states to prevent agencies of government from falling victim of impersonators.
Regarding the recent Supreme Court judgment that gave financial autonomy to local governments across the federation, the Commissioner averred that there is the need for checks and balances, stressing that collaboration should be the watchword in the process of planning and budgeting for local governments.
Earlier, while explaining the purpose of their visit, the head of the delegation and the Commissioner representing Osun State in RMAFC, Pharmacist Gboyega Oladele, who expressed unreserved gratitude for the warm reception extended to them, thanked the State Government for her consistent commitment and cooperation to better the lot of the people of the state.
While affirming that their assignment in the state is in fulfillment of paragraph 2:32a part 1 of the 1999 constitution as amended, he maintained that “with the recent Supreme Court judgment that granted fiscal autonomy to LGs, there was the need for RMAFC to interface closely with stakeholders to look at the parameters available and come up with a framework that will ensure a seamless process, so that nobody is sub changed.” stated Pharm. Oladele.
While stressing that his Commission will not slack in fulfilling its responsibility of ensuring that monies allocated to the state are actually used for the right purpose, such that people will benefit maximally, he pledged that RMAFC will continue to ensure that the state have the best from the Commission.
Also present at the meeting were OIRS Chairman, Prince Sola Adewumi, PS, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Akeem Bello, PS, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Femi Ogundun and Accountant-General, Mr. Rasheed Alabi, among others.