The Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Benibo George Anabraba, has challenged auditors in the state civil service to acquire advanced proficiency in modern auditing techniques, forensic accounting, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to effectively tackle the rising wave of cyber crimes and guarantee transparency in the financial operations of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
In a statement by the Head, Information and Public Relations Unit, Office of the SSG, Dr. Julie Masi on Tuesday 2nd December, Dr. Anabraba speaking at a two-day capacity-building workshop organised for auditors, warned that the rapid evolution of technology would render obsolete any auditor who settles for basic ICT literacy without deeply understanding the complex interplay between auditing processes, accounting standards, and cutting-edge digital tools.
According to him “technology waits for no one. You cannot be alive in this era and not be fully aligned with ICT and its application in financial governance.”
The SSG emphasised, stated that auditors must position themselves as the first line of defence against financial malfeasance in the digital age.
He commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his unwavering commitment to staff welfare and continuous professional development, noting that the administration places premium value on building a competent, technology-driven civil service capable of delivering efficient and accountable governance.
In his goodwill message, the Acting Auditor-General of Rivers State, Dr. Christian Yorkina, disclosed that the workshop was strategically designed to sharpen participants’ skills in ICT-driven audit processes, heighten awareness about sophisticated cyber fraud schemes, and foster stronger inter-agency collaboration in budget planning, execution, and monitoring.
“We have a sacred duty to ensure that every kobo released by the Rivers State Government delivers maximum value to the people,” Dr. Yorkina declared.
The workshop, themed “Auditing for Impact: Current Strategies for Detecting Emerging Cyber Crimes and Implementing Budget Collaboration in Government MDAs,” attracted senior government functionaries, including the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, heads of MDAs, and directors of finance and accounts.
Participants were exposed to practical sessions on data analytics, blockchain applications in public finance, cyber forensics, and real-time audit monitoring systems.
Resource persons drawn from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, and leading ICT firms equipped the auditors with actionable tools to detect and prevent financial fraud in the increasingly digital government ecosystem.
At the end of the training, participants expressed optimism that the new knowledge would significantly enhance their capacity to safeguard public funds, promote seamless budget implementation, and uphold the transparency and accountability agenda of the Governor Siminalayi Fubara-led administration.
Read also: Bonny LG Chairman Seeks Urgent Fix to Network Failures
