By – Memoye Oghu
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has said that blockage of revenue leakages and prudent management of the state resources accounted for the recent increases in the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR).
He spoke at the 2nd Session of the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) held in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on Tuesday.
The Governor, who was represented by the state’s Head of Civil Service, Dr George Nweke said that Continuous training is key to enhancing the skills and knowledge of professionals in the field, stating that his administration recognizes and values the expertise and insight ANAN members brings to the table in the state.
” The Impact of ANAN’s programs is already evident here in Rivers State. One of your member, our governor is a case study. When he became the state’s Accountant General, he Improved on the recording system and made things more transparent.
“We have witnessed a similar improvement in the financial records and management of our state since he became governor. His strategic approach in Financial Management has not only enhanced our financial reporting but has led to improvement in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue.
“Let me note it here that this Improvement was not achieved by bothering citizens with increased taxes, rather we reduced and even removed taxes from some. We didn’t double the taxes. So what was the Magic? It is ANAN training. Our finances improved through prudent, efficient financial management Practices and blockage of revenue leakages”
He promised the association his government’s support in leveraging the expertise of its members to drive sustainable development in the state.
Earlier, in his welcome address, ANAN President and Chairman of Council , Dr James Neminebor explained the need for the Continuous training programme, saying that, “Humans are subjected to dynamic changes in their environment, when the environment changes, and the human does not, there will be no progress.
“Same applies to an accountant. An accountant who graduates from school and remains that way will discover he or she belongs to the stone age. That is why in ANAN, we believe in training. We go round to meet our members zone to zone to train them all. Accounting is changing, it is a dynamic Profession and they who are accountants, should change with the times so they can be relevant to their employers.
” Those who are properly trained in accounting knows that it is not increasing the tax elements that generates revenue. That is why when Tinubu became president, in his renewed hope programme, the first thing he did is to appoint a tax reform and fiscal policy Committee. I am a member of that Committee and ours is not to increase taxes, but to find avenues to bring in those that are evading tax, organise tax programs for relevant areas, avoid multiple taxation. This is what Rivers State Governor has done”
ANAN Chief Executive Officer, Olusola Fashua, who also spoke at the event, pointed out that the programme has been very effective in helping members remain on the cutting edge of professionalism.
ANAN Council had earlier paid a courtesy call on the state governor where they were received by the Deputy Governor, Prof Ngozi Odu who commended the state governor, their member for his achievements so far in the state.
Highlights of the event included souvenirs to the state governor, Sir Sim Fubara and the Amayanabo of Grand Bonny, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple.
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