The Lagos Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, has charged Auditors in the State’s public service to embrace the use of information technology in their quest for continuous growth in the profession.
Muri-Okunola gave the charge while declaring open the 13th edition of the Annual Auditors retreat with the theme: “ICT & Auditing as Inseparable Twins towards Ensuring Accountability and Probity”, held recently at Radisson Blu, Isaac John, GRA, Ikeja, noting that information technology can effectively be used to enhance the Audit system, especially during this period of global digitisation.
He said: “The theme is quite relevant at this critical period of digitalisation of the global economy. The evolution of the digital economy at the global level has significantly changed the way business enterprises operate, generate and display financial data online in real-time. The overwhelming rapid adoption and implementation of E-business technology have led to new challenges for Auditors, especially in the area of effective control”.
While maintaining that probity and accountability are unavoidable ethical behaviour that Auditors should uphold, the HoS enjoined all Auditors in the State Service to imbibe comprehensive application of oral values and the entrenchment of professionalism through impartiality and transparency, stressing the need for Auditors to continuously seek for growth in the use of ICT.
“ICT tools and techniques directly impact the audit function in diverse ways, some of which are performance, reporting and decision making, monitoring scope and quality of output as well as in the area of audit phase”, he stated.
The Head of Service, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Temitope Sewanu Hundogan, therefore, implored Auditors to continually take advantage of the retreat to develop themselves, informing that the present administration is keen on capacity building of its workforce as well as raising thorough professionals that are competent, versatile and relevant to the present and future needs of the State.
Earlier in his welcome address, the State Auditor-General, Mr. Sikiru Adeniji Salami, said the choice of the theme for the Y2022 Retreat is in line with the fourth Pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of the current administration, which is ‘Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy’, stating that Lagos is keen on using technology to build the capacity of its workforce.
The Auditor-General admonished officers to maintain transparency in all their dealings.
His words: “As Professional Auditors, the people and stakeholders rely on us for a transparent system. It is, therefore, necessary that we work in compliance with our legal as well as regulatory framework and requirements in order to garner public trust, while also making our core values the watchwords and guide”.
Salami expressed appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu, his Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and the Rt. Honourable Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa for their unflinching support.
The event was attended by dignitaries from the Lagos State Civil Service including Commission Chairmen, serving and retired Permanent Secretaries and other important personalities.
