Following the recent “Adire Osun Day” declaration by the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, that mandated all public officials, appointed and elected to wear Adire Osun every Wednesday to boost the industry and enhance the cultural strengths of the state.

Consequently, today is Wednesday, and all accounting officers and Heads of Agencies involved in the ongoing Budget Defence Exercise on its third day fell into the Hallowed Chamber of the Osun State House of Assembly with different colours and designs of Adire outfits.

They are the Ministry of Agriculture, Osun State Agricultural Development Corporation OSSADEC, Osun State Agricultural Development Programme, OSSADEP, Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment, Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), Radio and TV, Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning, Office of the Surveyor-General, Osun State Property Development Corporation, Osun State Capital Territory Development Authority and Osun Assets Management Agency.

Welcoming the invitees, the Chairman House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon Saheed Fatunmise reiterated that the shared objectives of the committee and the invitees remain paramount and it is to ensure the efficient allocation and utilization of the state’s financial resources in a manner that best serve the constituents and the development of the state.

He stressed that the commencement of the exercise was not only as representative of their various Constituencies, but also an advocate of responsible fiscal management, adding that the state founded as an embodiment of the society’s priorities and aspirations must be meticulously granted to provide equitable solutions, addressing pressing challenges, and as well stimulate sustainability economic growth.

The chairman said it has prioritised their engagement in the important process of scrutiny, collaboration and accountability to make the governor’s five-point agenda a reliable and viable move.

He therefore enjoined various MDAs to always carry along the Committee and work harmoniously for the benefit of all.

“Furthermore, as custodians of public funds, we should promote transparency and accountability in our financial decisions”.

“Today’s exercise provides an individual to access the proposed allocation of funds, evaluate their impacts on each sector and engage in constructive dialogue to ensure that the interests of our constituents are well served”.

The committee and other lawmakers after the budget summary of each Ministry and Agency took turns to ask questions from the Commissioners, Special Advisers and Permanent Secretaries on how to actualize the needs of various ministries, departments and agencies as allocated to them in the budget and as well general more revenue for the uplift of the state and betterments of the citizens.

At the end of the exercise, Hon Fatunmise applauded members of the committee and other lawmakers for their various contributions to the success of the exercise. The budget defence exercise continues tomorrow.