Lagos auditor-general launches book on audit sector, public accountability

Lagos State Auditor-General, Mrs. Helen Deile, on Thursday launched a book titled ‘Odyssey of the Office of the State Auditor General, Lagos State’.

Deile said the book outlines the roles, impact, and achievements of the audit sector within 50 years of its existence in the State. The book also highlights the tasks of auditors towards achieving transparent and accountable governance.

She noted that the role of auditors transcends fraud detection but includes examining accounts in order to determine whether a true state of affairs of the economy is presented during the period under review.

The auditor emphasised that the book has vital information that will guide auditors on professionalism while discharging their duties in various MDAs across the public sector.

“These details include the creation of the office of the State Auditor-General, transformation process and functions of the Office, Audit Law and Establishment of the Audit Service Commission, Innovations and Achievements, coupled with professional ethics and values,” Deile said.

She, however, debunked claims that auditors are vindictive police, instead, they are strategic partners saddled with the responsibilities of adding value by ensuring the effective management of assets and funds in public and private organisations.

A former Auditor-General in Lagos State, and pioneer Chairman of the Lagos State Audit Service Commission, Modupe Akinwolemiwa commended the efforts of the author in ensuring auditors are equipped and trained for better service delivery.

She described Deile as “a rugged trailblazer, who will be remembered for the insightful, remarkable and significant contributions to the audit institution.”

Other attendees of the event include Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola; Chairman, Audit Service Commission, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Adegbuji-Onikoyi; Permanent Secretary, Central Internal Audit, Mrs. Olusola Oduguwa; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Wealth Creation & Employment, Mrs. Kafayat Ajenifuja and the Author’s husband, Pastor Laja Deile (former Board Member, Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board), and other top government officials.