Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has presented a budget proposal of N272.736 Billion for the 2023 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly.
Governor Akeredolu presented the budget tagged “Budget of Shared Prosperity” to the lawmakers on Monday during a plenary sitting presided over by the Speaker of the House, Bamidele Oleyelogun, at the newly renovated House of Assembly Complex, Igbatoro road, Akure.
According to the Governor, N143.511 billion was budgeted for capital expenditure and N129.224 billion for recurrent expenditure.
The 2023 budget proposal is higher than that of the total projected Budget outlay for the 2022 Fiscal year which was N199,282,437 billion.
The Chairman Southern Governors Forum disclosed that the 2023 budget was prepared based on the inputs garnered during the Town Hall meetings with various stakeholders across the state.
He noted that the budget was tailored towards achieving the REDEEMED agenda of his administration which is also in tandem with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The projects and programmes carefully selected in the budget cut across critical areas of infrastructure and environment, education, health, social safety-net, security, industrialisation, among others,” he said.
The governor maintained that with the resources available to his administration, he has continued to pursue its developmental agenda in areas of priority.
He added that the government has been able to record modest achievements across board in various areas of the REDEEMED agenda.
He commended the Speaker and other members of the House for their passion and timely effort in considering the 2023-2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) as well as the passage of the 2022 Revised Appropriation Bill in response to the exigencies of deepening security, infrastructural development and to cater for the vulnerable.
Governor Akeredolu equally thanked the people of the State for their unflinching belief, confidence, cooperation and support for his Administration.
The Governor informed the Lawmakers that in fulfilling the aims and objectives of the 2023 budget proposal, his administration will pursue a policy stance that will entrench efficient spending, curb waste, engender inclusivity, and enable excellent service delivery.
“Notwithstanding the present climate of uncertainty, we are steadfast in our resolve to put the economy on the sustainable path to realize its full growth potential. By the grace of the Almighty God, we shall leave no stone unturned as we continue to build a strong, vibrant and resilient economy, powered by good governance and people-centered programmes,” he added.
Speaking to newsmen, the Speaker of the House, Bamidele Oleyelogun, said the presentation is in tandem with the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended).
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He noted that the content of every budget, no doubt, has a great impact on the life of everybody in the society.
“It is a reflection on the journey so far in our conscious effort to collectively work for the upliftment of the welfare of our people in terms of ensuring that developmental projects cut across all segments of the State and are people-oriented.
“As an arm of government, it is another opportunity to examine the fundamental linkages between our past, as a people, present concerns as well as the vision, hopes and aspirations for the future of our State.
“I want to specially appreciate Mr Governor for the total overhauling, renovation and commissioning of our Legislative Chamber equipped with the State of the earth materials and gadgets. The ninth (9th) Assembly is particularly proud of you and we are assuring you of our unalloyed loyalty, commitment and dedication to work. ”
While commending the Governor for the undiluted attention his administration accorded to every sector of the economy, he stressed that it is generally acknowledged that the people have indeed witnessed rapid infrastructural development within the last few years, even in the face of very limited resources.
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