EKITI SPEAKER DRUMS SUPPORT OF CONTINUITY FOR GOVERNOR OYEBANJI

The Ekiti State house of assembly speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye has emphasized that the legislature will be thorough and objective as it prepares to scrutinize the 2025 budget estimate of the state.

Aribasoye stated this on Tuesday in his opening remarks at the presentation of the 2025 budget proposal to the house by the Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji.

The Governor had presented before the state legislature , a budget estimate of 475.7 billion naira comprising recurrent expenditure of 192.3 billion naira and capital expenditure of 183.4 billion naira.

The Speaker charged his fellow lawmakers to check for fiscal probity and alignment of budget with priority needs of Ekiti people among other assessments as they work on the budget document at various committee levels.

"I charge each of you, through your various committees, to engage in thorough scrutiny of the budget proposals. It is imperative that we ensure fiscal probity and accountability, aligning our financial commitments with the genuine needs of our people. We must ask the critical questions: Does this budget reflect the priorities of Ekiti State? Are we investing in the future of our children and the prosperity of our communities?" He pointed out.

Rt. Hon. Aribasoye also asked various Ministries, Departments and Agencies to get ready for a convincing defense of their budget proposals.

"To all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), institutions, and corporations, I call upon you to be prepared to defend the proposals outlined in this budget. Your presence and input are essential as we strive for transparency and accountability in our governance." the Speaker emphasized.

Aribasoye also urged the lawmakers to reflect on the pressing needs of their constituents and the exhaustive vision contained in the Governor’s six-pillar agenda adding that  the opportunity to align fiscal decisions with the aspirations of the people being represented must be maximized.

He said "as members of the 7th Assembly, we are passionate, resolute, and unwavering in our commitment to fiscal probity. We are here not just to fulfill our duties, but to be champions of accountability, advocates for our constituents, and stewards of the public trust."

In his presentation, Governor Oyebanji promised that food security, welfare and wealth creation were top priorities that would be reflected by the budget christened 'Budget of Sustainable Impact' adding that job creation, agricultural development, infrastructure, technology, health care delivery and youth development among other vital aspects would be accorded attention.

Oyebanji, who applauded the credentials built by the 7th assembly , including its emergence as the best state assembly in integration of Information and Communication Technology, assured that his administration would continue to respect the independence and autonomy of all arms of government.

He also explained that 'the Executive has prepared a Supplementary proposal which is currently before this distinguished Honourable members. The 2024 Proposed Supplementary Estimates with a size of N372,154,157,569.39 is made up of N174,512,458,551.61 Recurrent Expenditure and N197,641,699,017.78 Capital Expenditure.'