The Ondo State Accountants’ Forum under the leadership of Mr. Toyin Samuel Mogaji has rolled out drums to celebrate successful end of 2021 as they appealed to Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on birfucation.
The Accountants with their spouses came out in beautiful attire to dine, wine and give thanks to God for His grace over them and their family members for the New Year.
Their get together party was held at BTO Event Centre, along Ilesha road, Akure, on Saturday January 15, 2022 where accountants in the state had opportunity socialize.
Some of the highlights of the occasion include, health talk, presentation of gifts to retirees, unveiling of branded materials, like T-Shirt and Mug, donations towards the programmes of the Forum among others.
After the guests were entertained with assorted food and drinks, dancing floor was opened as they all celebrated together in dancing to the tune of the popular Gospel Musician, Muyiwa Famuyide.
While speaking at the event, the Accountant General of Ondo State, Mrs. Toyin Esther Oni said the occasion afforded all accountants in the state opportunity to come together and socialize in order to foster unity among them.
In her words: “Today’s gathering is also an opportunity for us to celebrate our retirees. people that had worked in their various capacities in the Civil Service of Ondo State and to encourage those who are still in active service to keep doing well in day to day discharge of their duties.
Mrs. Oni who noted that office of Accountant General under her leadership will not relent in efforts towards repositioning the system for better and efficient service delivery.
She said: “This year, it can only be better. We have positioned ourselves through training which we have started in the office of Accountant General. we have just concluded a round of training last week.
“All these are geared toward empowering us to be more productive.
“This year, we are going to put in our best. We are going to add more value to the system and our service delivery is going more effective and efficient, by the special grace of God.
Earlier in his welcome address the chairman Ondo State Accountants’ Forum, Mr. Toyin Mogaji thanked God for the success of 2021 and for His support for all members in the past years.
He commended ODSG under the leadership of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for how he has been driving the welfare of workers in Ondo State.
He also appreciated Commissioner for Finance and Ondo State Accountant General for providing good leadership to accountants in Ondo State
While reiterating the commitment of the Forum under his leadership to keep working for the members and promoting their welfare in all areas, he said their basic request is the birfucation like their counterparts in other states of the federation.
According to him, “I was in Lagos State recently, for UBEC workshop of all DFAs and I discovered that our counterparts from Lagos, Oyo, Zamfara, Sokoto, Yobe to mention a few they all bear Director of Finance and Accounts (DFA).
“We pride ourselves in Ondo State as most enlightened in Nigeria, we are yet to come to the level of all these states mentioned. We have tabled the matter before the Head of Service of Ondo State and we strongly believe that it will be ratified in no distance time.
Mogaji also paid glowing tribute to former Accountant General, Mr. Ajibokun for his enormous contributions to the system during his life time.
Also in his chat with journalists former Accountant General in Ondo State, Dr. Olayiwola Ibukun thanked God for the success of the event which he described as a unique occasion.
He also expressed satisfaction in the Forum they started over 30 years ago that is still waxing stronger day by day.
Ibukun said that those are still in the service should uphold the good tenets of the profession – Honesty, accountability, hard work, perseverance and transparency which he said will stand them out and bring honour to them when they are retired.
In his comment, Chairman of Association of National Accountants in Ondo State and a Director of Treasury Services in the office of Accountant General, Mr. Ojo Ayodele Francis said it has been a long time they enjoy such occasion that has just been reactivated by the present Accountant General in Ondo State.
Mr. Ojo Ayodele said: “We are celebrating with our retirees that had served government meritoriously without any blemish and this is more reason I want to encourage our fellow workers in active service to uphold quality ethics of the job so that they can be honoured in due time.
Also speaking, Director Accounts in Ondo State Ministry of Health, Mr. Bodunwa Olorunfemi said an accountant is an indispensable entity in any organization therefore calling on all members of the Forum to keep the glory of the profession alive.
Bodunwa said: “Because of our quality people look up to us to put in our best because accounting profession is a specialized profession and we are appreciating some of our leaders that have done well while in active service today.”
Some of the awardees Akintan Rufus that spoke with The Democrat News Magazine appreciated the leadership of the Forum and hoped that the gesture would service as inspiration to those who are still in active service.
Also Samuel Osuolale and Robert Oladejo Akinnagbe other awardees said: “It is a good thing to be an accountant. If you do your job with probity and transparency you will be rewarded at the right time like what we are witnessing today.