BY PATRICK MGBODO
THE Delta State Government has vowed transparency and accountability, pledging to keep its financial records open and easily accessible to citizens in order to provide clear insights into the facts behind the figures.
The assurance was given by the Commissioner for Finance, Sir Fidelis Tilije, at the 6th edition of the Delta State Strategic Communication Workshop (DELCOM), Asaba.
Represented by the functioning Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Gibson Pinnick, the finance commissioner underscored the theme of the workshop, ‘’Strategic Communication in the Digital Age: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence with Digital Tools for Effective Leadership’’
He said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital tools, when deployed effectively, help to translate complex policy into plain language, listen at scale and respond with precision.
‘’We will continue opening our books through accessible reports and dashboards so that our citizens can access the ‘’facts behind the figures’’ without needing a degree in accounting and financial management. This, currently, is on as our audited financial statement can be accessed on the state’s website. ‘’We are conscious of the Principal-Agent relationship of governance, whereby the citizens are the principal and the government is the agent. Consequently, government, as an agent to the citizens, owes them a duty of accountability and transparency placed in its care’,’ he said.
He described workshops like DELCOM as an investment in trust as they equip political appointees, media partners, bloggers and influencers to turn public information into public understanding.
‘’When we communicate well, the budget performs better. When citizens are informed, institutions grow stronger. The story of Delta State should be told with evidence, empathy and the courage to admit where we must do more’’ he said.
Tilije commended the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for maintaining a culture of open and pro-citizen governance, just as he also applauded the Director-General of the State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Oghenesivbe.
