In a report recently released, the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch (CeFTIW) in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation, judged Ondo State third best among Nigeria’s thirty-six states in transparency and accountability in public fund management and the implementation of public policies. CeFTIW considered six key areas: Accessibility, Open Budget, Public Procurement, Human Resources, Anti-Corruption, and citizen engagement. The top five states in order are Ekiti, Kaduna, Ondo, Lagos and Gombe.
This very considerable, positive achievement did not come in one fell swoop. It was achieved in a structured way. Sudden leaps are the stuff of comic books, theater, and movies.
The state is fortunate to have Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON, a man steeped in the notion of institutions as the decisive engine room for development as its helmsman.
The steady climb up the transparency and accountability ladder by Ondo state is a laudable understanding of the foundations needed for sustainable as opposed to ephemeral development. Transparency leads to better costing of projects, and better service delivery. It also helps to develop the institutional memory needed for the long term.
That is why the institutional philosophy of Akeredolu is the REDEEMED Agenda. The 8-point REDEEMED Agenda represents, Rural and Agricultural Development; Educational Advancement and Human Capital Development; Development through Massive Infrastructure; Efficient Service Delivery, Development and Policy Implementation; Effective Health Care and Social Welfare Services; Maintenance of Law and Order for Adequate Security; Energy, Mining and Sustainable Industries; as well as Digital Revolution and Entrepreneurship.
Akeredolu through this report has earned his place in history as the custodian of the tradition of accountability. This sets a marker which must be institutionalised before the end of his tenure in office. The gains must be protected and codified and must be protected! Akeredolu’s legacy must be built upon.
Signed:
Bamidele Ademola-Olateju
Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation
