The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has imposed a suspension on foreign trips for senior officials of his administration for the remainder of the year, except for genuine emergencies.
The governor has also instructed the Head of Service, Mr. Leye Aina, to draft a memo that outlines the working relationship between Commissioners and Special Advisers to enhance governance efficiency.
During a meeting with the State Executive Council to discuss 2024 budget proposals submitted by various ministries, departments, and agencies, as a prelude to the presentation of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework to the State House of Assembly, Adeleke emphasized the need to curtail excessive spending on recurrent and overhead expenses.
He urged members of his cabinet to be willing to make personal sacrifices, considering the state's challenging financial situation.
In addition, he stressed the importance of careful budget preparation, highlighting key policy directives for the state's governance.
According to a statement by the governor's spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, issued in Osogbo on Monday, Adeleke's statement included the following:
"Foreign trips for top officials for the rest of the year are hereby suspended unless there is a direct emergency to be authorized by the Governor.
"We must sustain the momentum of our service delivery by avoiding excessive spending on recurrent and overheads.
"Our needs, from office accommodations to other necessities, are significant, but our resources are limited. Therefore, we must develop coping strategies until our funding situation improves.
"While memos from Special Advisers must pass through the Permanent Secretary to the Commissioners, it is essential that Commissioners ensure fairness and a spirit of cooperation."
