The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has proposed a budget estimate of N449.974 billion for the year 2020 to the members of the State House of Assembly.
Governor Abiodun, who presented the budget christened “Budget to Build Our Future Together” at a plenary presided over by Speaker, Rt. Olakunle Oluomo at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, said the annual fiscal estimate was targeted at reflecting the present administration’s determination to deliver on its electoral promises to the people.
Giving the breakdown of the budget, the Governor explained that N269.132Bn representing (60.31%) was proposed for capital projects, with N180.842Bn (39.69%) set aside for recurrent expenditure, adding that salaries and allowances stood at N83.238Bn. He also stated that pension and gratuities would take N25.94Bn representing 18% of total expenditure with the balance of N71.659Bn resulting in 16% of the total budget earmarked for overhead cost.
Governor Abiodun noted that government would formulate policy thrust for the holistic actualization of the budget towards localising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the public-private partnership initiatives, having put in place a mechanism for a workable public financial management system to eliminate leakages at ensuring efficient and judicious use of the State wealth.
According to the Governor, other action plans to be put in place included full automation of the State Finance functions, strict adherence to the proposed fiscal responsibility law, instituting credit rating for the State by internationally accepted rating agencies, strengthening internal audit functions, while ensuring timely publication of audited accounts.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, remarked that the 2020 budget presentation by the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun was a constitutional requirement for all elected Governors in line with Sections 121 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), aimed at giving residents of the State an insight into the lofty dreams of the present administration with a view to making the State a model in the comity of States.
Oluomo posited that the strides and solid foundations laid in all sectors of the State economy since inception of the present administration was a pointer to the massive growth and development that the residents of the State would witness under the Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration.
Acknowledging the role of the members of the press in the promotion of good governance in the State, Oluomo stated that the ninth Assembly which had so far passed eight bills and ten resolutions with more commitment to high level performance in all her legislative business would kick against the hate speech bill, as it would gag the press, silence the masses; thereby preventing them from amplifying democratic development.
In his closing remarks, Oluomo, who assured of continuous robust relationship among the legislature and other arms of government through the enactment of more people-oriented legislations, said the Assembly would keep to its age-long tradition by giving necessary attention to the budget proposal within the time frame, while facilitating the provision of more infrastructural facilities towards adding value to the standard of living of the people.
The Speaker, stressed that the occasion was a testimony that the present administration prioritized the welfare and economic independence of the people, who deserved an innovative leadership in government, fearless judiciary, vibrant and articulate legislature, promising that the State would not rest on her oars.
In attendance at the event were the State Deputy Governor, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, Chief of Staff, Shuaib Salisu, former Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Former Military Administrators including; Gen. Oludayo Popoola, Gen. Ekundayo Opaleye, Lt. Col. Daniel Akintande, Navy Capt. Rasheed Raji, Former Deputy Governors, Salimotu Badru and Gbenga Kaka.
Others are former Speakers, Rt. Honourables Suraju Adekunbi, Tunji Egbetokun and Muyiwa Oladipo, Paramount Rulers of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Representative of Awujale and Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Yinusa Adekoya, Representative of Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Olota of Ota, Oba (Prof) Adeyemi Obalanlege, the State Head of Service, Engr. Lanre Bisiriyu, Retired Heads of Service, Body of Permanent Secretaries in the State, party stalwarts including State Party Chairman, Yemi Sanusi, Former Gubernatorial Candidate, ADC, Prince Gboyega Isiaka and former lawmakers amongst others.
– Wale Adewunmi