KWSG Presents 80 Laptops To LG Staff To Strengthen Financial Management Systems
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government has presented 80 laptop computers to the 16 Local Government Councils of the State for use by their Budget/Finance and Audit Desk Officers.
The gesture is part of the state government’s efforts to promote the adoption of harmonized financial guidelines and the National Chart of Accounts (NCoA) under the State Human Capital Opportunity for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) Programme, a World Bank supported Programme for Results (PforR) initiative.
The HOPE Project covers key sectors such as Governance (HOPE-GOV), Primary Healthcare (HOPE-PHC), and Basic Education (HOPE-EDU).
While closing the five-day residential training workshop for the officers, the Commissioner for Finance and Chairman, HOPE Steering Committee, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring that all Local Governments in the State adopt the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and other modern financial management frameworks.
She emphasised that adherence to these standards would enhance service delivery, transparency, and accountability in line with the strategic vision of the State Government.
Dr. Nuru urged participants to continue to be dedicated to their duties, stressing that effective budgeting and proper financial management at the third tier of government are essential for aligning local development priorities with the State’s broader development agenda.
She commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his continuous efforts to promote excellence and reposition local government administration through institutional reforms and capacity building.
The Commissioner explained that the presentation of laptops demonstrates the Governor’s commitment to strengthening government systems, promoting transparency, and improving service delivery across all levels of government.
According to her, the HOPE Project is designed to address long-standing institutional and systemic gaps that hinder efficient service delivery at the local government level.
“If these frameworks are properly adopted,” Dr. Nuru noted, “they will ensure that budgets are well-prepared, expenditures properly tracked, and reports generated in line with national and international best practices.”
Participants, including local government chairmen, cabinet members, and finance officers, expressed appreciation to the State Government for its efforts to harmonise financial reporting systems and equip staff with the tools required to strengthen fiscal discipline at the grassroots level.