GOVERNOR ABIODUN PROPOSES N449.97BN BUDGET FOR 2020
The Governor giving the breakdown of the budget explained that N269.132 billion 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.
Penpushing further reports that, he also stated that pension and gratuities would take N25.94billion representing 18% of total expenditure with the balance of N71.659 billion resulting in 16% of the total budget earmarked for overhead cost, noting 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.
The Governor said , 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.
The Speaker Olakunle Oluomo, earlier in his welcome address explained that the 2020 budget presentation by the Governor, 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.
Penpushing also reports that, 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 Abiodun led administration.
The Speaker while acknowledging the role of journalists in the promotion of good governance in the State, stated that the 9th 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.
Penpushing reports that, Oluomo, in his closing remarks assured of continuous robust relationship among the legislature and other arms of government through the enactment of more people oriented legislations, adding that 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.
Penpushing further reports that, some dignitaries 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 General Oladayo Popoola, Geneneral Ekundayo Opaleye, Lt. Col. Daniel Akintonde, Navy Capt. Rasheed Raji, former Deputy Governors, Salimotu Badru and Gbenga Kaka.
The others personalities include former Speakers, Suraju Adekunbi, Tunji Egbetokun and Muyiwa Oladipo, Paramount Rulers of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun 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 Adeyemi Obalanlege, the State Head of Service,Engr Lanre Bisiriyu, Retired Heads of Service, Body of Permanent Secretaries in the State,Chairman All Progressives Congress(APC) Yemi Sanusi, former Governorship Candidate of African Democratic Congress(ADC), Prince Gboyega Isiaka and former lawmakers amongst others.
