Hon. Idowu Calls for Accountability as Culture, Tourism Ministry Defends Budget
Bashir Opaluwa Idris
The Chairman, House Committee on Culture and Tourism at the Kogi State House of Assembly and Member Representing Yagba West State Constituency, Hon. Ibikunle Idowu, has called for accountability and transparency in the implementation of government programmes as the Ministry of Culture and Tourism appeared before the committee for its budget defence.
Hon. Idowu made the call during the budget defence of the Kogi State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, held at the State House of Assembly complex in Lokoja.
He expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve as chairman of the committee and to contribute to the growth and development of culture and tourism in Kogi State.
Hon. Idowu said in a democratic system of government, it is the constitutional responsibility of the legislature to invite ministries, departments and agencies to appear before standing committees of the House to defend their annual budget proposals.
According to him, the oversight function is rooted in the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the legislature to scrutinise government spending.
He noted that the committee’s responsibility goes beyond examining budget estimates, stressing that lawmakers are also expected to ask critical questions on how previous budgetary allocations were utilised.
Hon. Idowu noted that the exercise was necessary to ensure accountability, effective service delivery and prudent management of public resources.
The lawmaker urged officials of the ministry to be open, detailed and comprehensive in their submissions to enable the committee to carry out its oversight duties effectively.
He commended the ministry’s officials for honouring the invitation and called for sustained cooperation between the legislature and the executive to strengthen the culture and tourism sector in the state.
KOGISTATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON CULTURE AND TOURISM HOSTS 2026 BUDGET DEFENCE FOR MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
The Committee on Culture and Tourism, led by myself Hon. Ibikunle Idowu Simon, convened a crucial meeting today, December 18, 2025, to conduct a budget defence with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in preparation for the 2026 fiscal year.
During the session, which took place at the Kogi State House of Assembly Chamber in Lokoja, I, the Chairman of the Committee on Culture and Tourism, delivered a keynote address, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and resource allocation in promoting Kogi State’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential.
The budget defence provided an opportunity for stakeholders to engage with officials from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, discuss proposals, and provide insights on how to optimize the ministry’s budget to drive growth and development in the sector.
I emphasized the committee’s commitment to ensuring that the ministry’s budget is aligned with the state’s development priorities, and that allocated funds are utilized effectively to promote cultural exchange, preserve historical sites, and boost tourism in Kogi State.
The event was attended by members of the committee, officials from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and other stakeholders.
