As part of efforts to reduce cost of governance, the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has suspended with immediate effect, foreign travels by government officials from the state for the rest of the year.
This was revealed in a statement signed by the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, and made available to newsmen on Monday, in Osogbo.
INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that the decision was reached at the end of the State Executive Council meeting held last Thursday, and foreign trips could only be used if there was a direct emergency and would be authorised by the state Governor.
Adeleke also urged cabinet ministers and all other administration members to show that they are willing to make personal sacrifices in light of the state’s dire financial circumstances by avoiding excessive spending.
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The statement read: “Foreign trips for top officials for the rest of the year are hereby suspended unless there is a direct emergency to be authorised by the Governor.
“The Governor directed the immediate suspension of foreign travels by top officials. He urged the application of virtual meetings for attendance and participation at international business and investment events.
“We must sustain the momentum of our service delivery by avoiding excessive spending on recurrent and overheads.
“Our needs from office to accommodation are much but our resources are limited. So we have to devise a coping mechanism pending the time our funding situation will improve.”
“While memos by Special Advisers must pass through the Permanent Secretary to the Commissioners, the Commissioners must ensure fair play and accommodating spirit.”