Gov Makinde Pays Welfare Packages To Civil Servants, Pensioners

Civil servants and pensioners in Oyo State have commenced celebrations as the disbursement of the long-awaited welfare package pledged by Governor Seyi Makinde is now underway. The announcement was made via the official Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) handle on Friday, November 10. Governor Makinde’s commitment to the welfare of the state’s workforce was underscored with the approval of N15,000 for each pensioner and N25,000 for every civil servant on the state’s payroll.  The payments, slated to continue for six months starting in October 2023, aim to alleviate the economic challenges faced by residents. Assuring labour union leaders, Governor Makinde expressed his dedication to finding sustainable solutions for workers within the stipulated six-month period. The governor emphasized that his administration remains steadfast in prioritizing the welfare of employees while addressing the broader needs of the people of Oyo State.  The positive response to the initiation of payments echoes the optimism of a brighter future for the state’s workforce.

Zamfara: Matawalle Accuses Successor, Gov Dauda Lawal Of Governance Incompetence

The immediate past governor of Zamfara state and also the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, has criticized his successor, Governor Dauda Lawal, and his commissioners for their lack of fundamental understanding of governance. Alhaji Matawalle responded to allegations by the Governor Dauda-led administration, which claimed that misleading documents were published showing that “former Governor and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, approved 100% payment of over N1 billion for fencing, landscaping, and furnishing of Governor’s lodges in 14 Local Government Areas, even before the project began.” In a statement released in Abuja, through the coordinator of his media office, Alhaji Ibrahim Dosara, Matawalle asserted that Governor Lawal should focus on governance and the protection and security of Zamfara residents, rather than engaging in a fault-finding mission to mislead the general public with false publications. Dosara stated, “It is very disheartening that a government led by a “(Dr)” and managed by Consultant Professors consistently engages in perjury in an attempt to indict and tarnish the hard-earned reputation of a man who has demonstrated his worth and integrity to the general public, receiving various merit awards and honours from different quarters.”

BugetIT: Gombe earns high ranking in 2023 Fiscal Transparency Report

Gombe State’s commitment to fiscal transparency and accountability has earned it a significant distinction in the 2023 Fiscal Transparency Index published by BudgetIT, a reputable fiscal policy tracking organization in Nigeria. The state has been ranked an impressive 6th out of 36 states, with a commendable score of 74/100. This achievement reflects Gombe State’s dedication to transparent budgeting, procurement practices, and online fiscal reporting. The report underscores Gombe State’s accomplishments in various key areas, including budget transparency, procurement transparency, the integrity of the state’s website, and fiscal transparency online. Particularly noteworthy is the state’s Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), which has been recognized as comprehensive and well-structured. The report acknowledges that Gombe State’s approved budget met several stringent criteria, while its e-procurement portal stood out for its accessibility and navigability. Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration has consistently demonstrated its commitment to fiscal transparency and accountability, earning Gombe State esteemed recognition both on a national and international level. Notably, the state recently secured the World Bank’s States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) award in multiple categories, a testament to the administration’s impactful efforts in prudent public resource management. Furthermore, Gombe State achieved a remarkable 7th position in Nigeria and clinched the top spot in the North East sub-region in the Transparency and Integrity Index by the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch (CETIW). This recognitions affirmed the state’s position as a role model in good governance, financial prudence, and fiscal integrity. An associate professor and multi-disciplinary researcher, who also serves as the Director-General of Research and Documentation at the Government House, Dr. Mu’azu Shehu explained that based on his close monitoring of national and international open government and development ratings, Gombe State has performed credibly well in fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability. He noted that Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s leadership has been pivotal in fostering a culture of good governance and transparency, positioning Gombe State as one of the most transparent and well-governed in the nation. The remarkable strides taken by Gombe State underscores Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s unwavering commitment to international best practices, as he continues to drive comprehensive reform to enhance the state’s public finance management structure.