Accountants in Ogun State’s Civil Service have been urged to be proactive in building their careers, develop essential skills and uphold integrity in the discharge of their duties.
The State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, made the call at the 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Ogun State Accountants’ Forum, at Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, emphasising the need for continuous training, teamwork and professionalism in the accounting profession.
Mr. Onasanya, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Mr. Jola Oyeneye, expressed appreciation to Governor Dapo Abiodun for creating a conducive work environment, ensuring regular training and employing more accountants into the State’s Civil Service.
The HoS encouraged them to develop emotional intelligence, think creatively, and adapt to various situations, adding that teamwork and collaboration were crucial elements that enhance productivity and efficiency, as well as building strategic partnerships within the public sector, while developing strong presentation and communication skills.
“Knowing how to effectively engage an audience and present ideas convincingly is a crucial skill that makes work more impactful and widely accepted”, he said.
In his address, the Accountant General/Permanent Secretary (Treasury), Mr. Tunde Aregbesola, charged members to be good ambassadors in their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), stressing the need for teamwork and professionalism in efficient delivery of service, encouraging members to uphold diligence and unity, while ensuring that the forum continues to grow stronger.
Speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Planning, Mrs. Funmilayo Dada, admonished the Accountants to be role models in their respective agencies, saying their contributions to the State’s development would speak for them in the future.
“Success will always find those who are hardworking. As Accountants, we must dot our Is, cross our Ts, and remain accountable at all times”, she said.
In a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of State Pensions, Mrs. Arinola Adetayo, described Accountants as the heartbeat of the State, playing a crucial role in financial management, urging them to remain dedicated, uphold ethical standards and support the government’s fiscal policies, especially in revenue generation and debt management.
She said it was essential for them to embrace continuous learning and networking to keep up with global accounting trends.
Remarking, the Chairman of the Accountants’ Forum, Mr. Peter Taiwo, highlighted the forum’s achievements, including, providing training opportunities, advocating good governance and ensuring professional development.
He expressed gratitude to the State government for its continued support, particularly in sponsoring members to annual conferences of professional bodies, such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), saying the trainings had contributed to the efficient delivery of their duties and commitment to the profession.
Also speaking, a former Permanent Secretary in the State Civil Service, Mr. Kunle Shodeinde, noted that Accountants must strive to “know everything about something and something about everything”, underscoring diligence, honesty, excellence, selflessness and integrity, as core values that would make them outstanding in their field.
Responding on behalf of the retired members, who were celebrated at the forum, Mrs. Funke Adeniran, expressed appreciation to the Accountants’ Forum for recognising their years of service.
She acknowledged the support and camaraderie shared among members and emphasised that the forum had provided them with a platform for professional growth and networking throughout their careers, calling on members to remain dedicated, uphold the values of integrity and excellence, as well as continue to contribute to the progress of the profession and the state.
Highlight of the event was the send-off ceremony for retired members, the launch of the Forum’s official ties and scarves, as well as the presentation of awards to outgoing executives, in recognition of their contributions.
