Accountants in the Ogun State Civil Service have been urged to embrace innovation and adopt modern digital tools to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.
The Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary (Treasury), Mr. Olalekan Taiwo, gave the charge at the 9th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Ogun State Accountants’ Forum held at the Valley View Hall, Government House, Oke-Igbein, Abeokuta.
Describing accountants as “strategic architects of the economy and the ethical backbone of government institutions,” Taiwo emphasised that the era of accounting as a routine back-office function was over.
He called on practitioners to equip themselves with competencies in data analysis, digital technologies and emerging innovations such as artificial intelligence.
According to him, modern accounting has evolved beyond conventional bookkeeping to include AI-driven systems and real-time data analytics, which enhance transparency, efficiency and informed decision-making in governance.
He further highlighted the growing relevance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, noting that organisational performance is no longer judged solely by financial returns but also by social and environmental impact. He added that accountants now play a critical role in shaping policy direction and driving sustainable development.
Taiwo commended the Ogun State Government, under Governor Dapo Abiodun, for its commitment to capacity building through regular training, retraining programmes and sponsorship of professional conferences, which he said had significantly improved service delivery.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Accountants’ Forum, Mr. Solomon Olasehinde, outlined key achievements of the forum, including continuous professional development initiatives, the introduction of an equipment acquisition scheme tagged “Easy Buy,” weekly fitness programmes and ongoing constitutional review.
Olasehinde noted that the forum had continued to provide a platform for members to assess progress, deliberate on professional matters and honour retired colleagues for their contributions to the growth of the accounting profession in the state civil service.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretaries in the Ministries of Finance, Budget and Planning, Mr. Adesina Towolawi and Mr. Ahmed Adetona, alongside the State Auditor-General, Mr. Akorede Balogun, urged accountants to uphold ethical standards, remain committed to duty and support government fiscal policies, particularly in revenue generation and prudent debt management.
They stressed the importance of continuous learning and professional networking, noting that staying abreast of global accounting trends is essential for effective service delivery.
Responding on behalf of retired members, Mrs. Mojisola Akinwunmi expressed appreciation to the forum for recognising their years of service. She commended the unity within the association, describing it as instrumental to professional growth and collaboration.
She urged serving members to maintain integrity, pursue excellence and remain dedicated to advancing the accounting profession and contributing meaningfully to the development of Ogun State.
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