Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, yesterday, announced suspension of foreign trips for government functionaries.

A statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said the governor gave the directive while presiding over the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting at the weekend.

Adeleke, who stated that the decision was with immediate effect, advised public officials to embrace virtual events, unless the travels become expedient.

“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 statement reads in part.

With focus on treasury board decisions that have to do with preparation for the 2024 budget and landmark pronouncements on governance, the statement revealed that the meeting was attended by all members of the executive council.

It said the SEC deliberated on the 2024 budget proposals from the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as a prelude to the submission of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) to the House of Assembly.

The statement added that the governor called for due diligence in the budget preparation, while giving key policy directives on governance of the state.

Adeleke directed that state’s expenditure should henceforth be focused on implementation of critical projects across the sectors.

His words: “We must sustain the momentum of our service delivery by avoiding excessive spending on recurrent and overheads.”

He demanded personal sacrifice from cabinet members in the face of the prevailing harsh economic realities.

As a way of enforcing efficiency in the governance process, the governor also directed the Head of Service to prepare a memo to streamline the relationship between commissioners and special advisers.

“While memos by Special Advisers must pass through the Permanent Secretary to the Commissioners, the Commissioners must ensure fair play and accommodating spirit,” Adeleke ordered.