In a move aimed at ensuring efficient governance and financial prudence, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has suspended foreign trips for top officials of his administration for the remainder of the year, permitting exceptions only for emergencies. Additionally, he has directed the Head of Service, Mr. Leye Aina, to prepare a memo outlining the relationship between Commissioners and Special Advisers to enhance the governance process.
During a recent meeting with members of the State Executive Council, where they deliberated on 2024 budget proposals from various government departments, Adeleke emphasized the need to avoid excessive spending on recurrent and overhead expenses. He called upon cabinet members to make personal sacrifices and demonstrate readiness to face the state’s challenging financial situation.
Governor Adeleke underscored the importance of due diligence in the budget preparation process and outlined key policy directives for the state’s governance. According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke has stated, “Foreign trips for top officials for the rest of the year are hereby suspended unless there is a direct emergency to be authorized by the Governor.”
He further highlighted the necessity of maintaining service delivery momentum while coping with limited resources, acknowledging the challenges of managing needs from office to accommodation. Adeleke emphasized the importance of fairness and an accommodating spirit in the interactions between Special Advisers and Commissioners, stipulating that memos from Special Advisers should pass through the Permanent Secretary to the Commissioners.