Two Royal Fathers, the Emir of Bichi, Nasiru Bayero and the Emir of Lafia, Hon Justice Sidi Muhammed (rtd), the Chairman, Senate Committee on the Nigerian Navy, Senator George Sekibo, and Hon Abike Dabiri Erewa of Diaspora Commission on Thursday joined scores of the academia and other dignitaries who thronged the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja for the presentation of the book, ‘Fundamentals of Nigerian Public Finance and Accounting’ authored by Rear Admiral Kasimu Bushi of the Nigerian Navy.
Director General, Institute for Governance and Leadership Studies in Africa, Dr. Lanre Adebayo while presenting the book, said the book addresses a key component of the country’s governance system adding that it is a major drive towards promoting good governance.
“It is striking that the book was written by a military officer who is also an expert in finance and accounts. I wish to state that the institute is involved in this process after a thorough review of the book’s content, depth, overall quality and contribution to knowledge in a highly specialized field” he said.
Highlighting the challenges facing the country, the DG said, “Capacity gaps in governance and leadership appears to be at the top. In our view, this is not due to lack of potentials but more because of lack of investments in creating critical mass of expertise in those areas. It is therefore imperative that both the private and public sectors in the country should invest in these areas of national emergency if we must close the gaps between the rich and poor countries.
In his remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral AZ Gambo represented by Rear Admiral Edet Eyo, the Chief of Naval Transformation said the author of the book has made the Nigerian Navy proud by coming up with such important scholarly work in an area as difficult as accounting noting that Admiral Bushi is so passionate about giving back knowledge in a field in which he has excelled.
“Apart from this book, the senior officer has published two other books on financial management all in an attempt to see that those who practice the profession do things professionally and the right way.
“Additionally, he is an officer I have known for a long time. He is very dedicated and hardworking officer and when a task is given to him, he ensures that such task is completed without excuses”.
On his part, Rear Admiral (Dr.) KM Bushi who is the Chief of Accounts and Budget, Nigerian Navy noted that the book will contribute to the body of knowledge in the accounting profession adding that it will go a long way in improving public sector accounting.
Emphasizing that financial management and accounting are key to budget implementation and success in any establishment, he said, “If you develop the knowledge and skills of the accountant, you will get improved performance. The book will help most accountants in the government sector improve their knowledge through private means”.
