Mohammed Shosanya
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has ordered the immediate suspension of international travels by all cabinet members, to reduce public spending.
The governor gave the directive in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, and made available to journalists in Osogbo, on Monday.
He gave the directive while hosting the State Executive Council meeting, on Thursday with key focus on treasury board decisions as it affects preparation for budget 2024 and landmark pronouncements on state governance.
Adeleke,who directed the immediate suspension of foreign travels by top officials, urged application of virtual meetings for attendance and participation at international business and investment events.
“Foreign trips for top officials for the rest of the year is hereby suspended unless there is a direct emergency to be authorized by the Governor”, the governor directed
The governor further instructed that state expenditure should henceforth be focussed on implementation of critical projects across the sectors.
According to him, “we must sustain the momentum of our service delivery by avoiding excessive spending on recurrent and overheads”
He also called for personal sacrifice on the part of cabinet members, positing that cabinet members and all members of the administration must demonstrate readiness to sacrifice in the face of the state’s harsh financial situation.
“Our needs from office to accommodation are much but our resources are limited. So we have to devise a coping mechanism pending the time our funding situation will improve” , he affirmed.
“As a way of enforcing efficiency in the governance process, the State Governor also directed the Head of Service to prepare a memo to streamline the relationship between the Commissioners and Special Advisers.
“While memos by Special Advisers must pass through the Permanent Secretary to the Commissioners, the Commissioners must ensure fair play and accommodating spirit” , the Governor declared in a move to pre-empt possible rivalry among top appointees.
“Members of the Council are to also note that I will be unveiling the administration’s N100 billion Infrastructure Plan by Thursday. The plan covers roads, health, water, housing among others.
“I invite us all to note that this Treasury board deliberations are critical to the achievement of our governance goals. We must take it with all seriousness”, the governor affirmed.
