The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday presented the state’s 2025 appropriation bill amounting to N655.23 billion to the state assembly.
Tagged “Budget of Recovery”, the budget focuses on infrastructural development.
The breakdown of the budget indicates that the recurrent expenditure gulped N248.923 billion, representing 37.99 percent, while capital expenditure stood at N406.307 billion, representing 62.01 percent.
Thefrontrank noted that the 2025 budget proposal is N259.973 billion higher than the 2024 budget, which was N395.257 billion.
The appropriation bill shows that infrastructural development has the largest allocation of N238.572 billion, representing 36.40 percent.
Followed by Public Finance with N125.456 billion,19 percent; Education with N77.024 billion, 11.80 percent; and Agricultural Development with N56.102 billion, 8.60 percent.
Besides, the Administration of Justice is allocated N132.163 billion, 2.80 percent; Trade and Industry N8.839 billion, 1.30 percent; Health N46.016 billion, 7.00 percent; and Environment and Sewage Management N13.084 billion, 2.00 percent.
Additionally, General Administration receives N34.398 billion, 5.20 percent; Information N3.230 billion, 0.50 percent; Legislative Administration N7.636 billion, 1.20 percent; Regional Development N8.869 billion, 1.40 percent; Community Development N14.128 billion, 2.20 percent; and energy N3.742 billion, 0.60 percent.
Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to residents for their support in the November 16 governorship election and for maintaining peace during and after the electioneering.
While acknowledging the legacy of his predecessor, the late Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, Aiyedatiwa emphasized that the achievements of the past year under his leadership have secured the trust of the electorate.
“By the grace of God, we have delivered on our promises, and we now seek to consolidate our gains through the 2025 Budget,” he stated.
The governor appreciated members of the state House of Assembly for their dedication, particularly in passing the 2024 Revised Appropriation Bill, which addressed the challenges posed by the removal of fuel subsidy and the economic downturn.
In his response, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Olamide Oladiji, commended the governor for his achievements.
Oladiji assured that the budget would be scrutinised to ensure it positive impacts on residents.
The speaker also pledged accelerated consideration of the appropriation bill.
