Osun: Governor Adeleke Bans Government Officials From Embarking On Foreign Trips

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has suspended Government Officials from embarking on foreign trips till the end of the year.

The Governor said it was necessary to save funds as the State is experiencing paucity of funds.

He said that only an  emergency would warrant a foreign trip will only be condoned, as top Government Officials must adhere strictly to this order.

The Governor directed the Head of Service, Mr. Leye Aina, to prepare a memo that would state the relationship between the Commissioners and the Special Advisers to ensure efficiency in the governance process.

Speaking during a meeting held with members of the State Executive Council which deliberated on 2024 budget proposals from the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies as a prelude to the submission of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework to the State House of Assembly, Governor Adeleke declared that excessive spending on recurrent and overhead expenses must be avoided.

While urging cabinet members to make personal sacrifices, the Governor explained that all members of the administration must demonstrate readiness to sacrifice in the face of the state’s harsh financial situation.

He called for due diligence in the budget preparation process, reading out key policy directives on the governance of the state.

A statement by the spokesperson to the Governor, Olawale Rasheed, on Monday, quoted Governor Adeleke further as  saying: “Foreign trips for top officials for the rest of the year are hereby suspended unless there is a direct emergency to be authorised by the Governor.

“We must sustain the momentum of our service delivery by avoiding excessive spending on recurrent and overheads.

“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.

“While memos by Special Advisers must pass through the Permanent Secretary to the Commissioners, the Commissioners must ensure fair play and an accommodating spirit.”