From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The Kogi State Government yesterday commenced the training of its budget officers in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on the new budget templates.

Declaring the two-day training open, state Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Idris charged the officers to avail themselves of the opportunity to enable them achieve credible budget documents in their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mallam Jimoh Mohammed said the purpose of the training is to build an enduring capacity of Planning Officers.

Idris who disclosed that approval has been received to provide laptops for budget officers in all the MDA’s, said, the aim is to ensure that planning officers switch to an automated system of budgeting as well as help planners achieve seamless budget preparations.

The Commissioner said the training will also enhance the capacity of budget officers as well as improve their service delivery to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the state.

While commending Governor Yahaya Bello, for providing a conducive environment for the exercise, the Commissioner said, the present administration is committed to the welfare of its workers

Idris also used the opportunity to thank the Director of Budget, Mr. Olajide Samuel, and the entire staff of the ministry for their continuous support and dedication in ensuring the success of the training.

In his goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Accountant General of the State, Mr. Elijah Ebinemi, described the training as very significant to the advancement of budget officers in the state, adding that, the training will go a long way to refresh the budget officers with new ideas in their approach to their assignment.

He assured that the office of the Account general will provide all the necessary support to ensure the success of the program

Also speaking at the program, the Director of the International Cooperation Dept, Mallam Sani Haruna, congratulated the Planning, Research, and Statistic (PRS) staff on the training, noting that the exercise is to ensure a smooth transition from the manual way of budgeting to an automated system with the new budget templates.

He also described the approval to procure laptops for budget officers as a major step forward.

While describing the budget as the second most important document of any country, Mallam Sani emphasized on the need to get the preparation processes right.

He said it is only when the processes are right, that the people can benefit

In his contribution, the Director of Budget, Mr. Olajide Samuel thanked participants for honoring the invitation and urged them to pay maximum attention to the program.

He said the new templates for the 2022 budget preparation consist of two sessions and this is the second aspect of the establishment.