On Thursday, Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, reiterated his administration’s effort to turn the state around through people-centered projects.
This was declared at the second edition of the state’s inclusive budget initiative hosted by him, top government functionaries and other stakeholders.
According to the statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, the governor said, while delivering a keynote address at the engagement on the 2021 Budget, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan:
“I have always said that I am in this position today because it is the will of the people and of God. And so, I am determined to continue to pursue and expand policies that will show that I respect the yearnings of the people. One of the ways our administration has done this is by ensuring that our communities are involved in the budgeting process.
“Last year, we produced our first budget, which we tagged, “The People’s Budget,” because we came out and engaged in town hall meetings and sought your input. You spoke, and we listened. You made it clear that you wanted more capital projects and infrastructural development. You indicated that payment of salaries and gratuities was a sore point. As a result, of last year’s budget of N213.8Billion, capital expenditure was pegged at N103.4Billion, while recurrent expenditure had a value of N110.4Billion.
“Unfortunately, COVID-19 happened. Additionally, the fall in oil prices affected federal allocations to states. We had to slash the budget. However, we decided that whatever cuts we were making, payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, and other emoluments to the state workforce will not be affected. After the reductions, recurrent expenditure remained N108.9Billion while capital projects took a 36.9 per cent hit and came down to N65.2Billion.
“Still, we have found ways of ensuring that some planned infrastructure projects could still be carried out. For example, we introduced the Alternative Project Funding Approach (APFA), where the contractors execute the entire project with their own money before the government repays over several budgeting cycles.
“The ongoing reconstruction of the 21km Airport Road-Ajia-New Ife Express Road with a spur to Amuloko and the remodelling of Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, are products of this funding approach.
“We also had the Contractor’s Project Financing Scheme. Through this scheme, Oyo State contributes an initial percentage of the contract sum while the contractor brings the rest. The government then has the grace of paying over several budgeting cycles. The recently flagged off ‘Light Up Oyo State’ (Phase 2) project, is being facilitated using this financing model.
“We also embarked on targeted borrowing. We are grateful to the state legislature, led by Honourable Debo Ogundoyin, for signing off on infrastructural loans. We have begun constructions such as the bus terminals at Iwo Road, New Ife Road, Challenge and Ojoo in Ibadan; the remodelling of OYSADA headquarters at Saki, Oke-Ogun; upgrading of Primary Healthcare Centres and other healthcare facilities. Just last week, we were at Saki to commission the Saki Specialist Hospital.
“Other projects we have embarked on include supply and installation of all-in-one Solar Powered Street Lights for the illumination of some market places, selected hospitals, and quite a few public places across the geo-political zones in the state. We have also embarked on the ‘Operation Zero Potholes’ in Oyo State.
“We also have procured new truck-mounted drilling rigs with a compressor to improve our water supply, five fire-fighting trucks and ten ambulances. The implementation of the 2020 budget has indeed touched every sector of the Oyo State economy that you told us you wanted to see work.
“We were able to carry out these people-centred projects because we started off the budget year by asking you the question: What would you like us to do for you?
“And so, we are back this year on a similar mission. And this time, we are expanding the process and making it even more open and transparent. Last year, town hall meetings were held in the three senatorial districts. This year, we are upping the ante. Town hall meetings will be held in the seven geopolitical zones of the state.”
While responding to views expressed by some of those at the meeting, the governor reiterated the administration’s commitment to youth engagement and employment, noting that the state will continue to seek ways of engaging the youths through the expansion of its economy, while also ensuring that they are prevented from engaging in criminalities.
He, however, clarified; “Furthermore, we want to stop people from selling on the street. We will encourage you and do everything to ensure your commercial activities go smoothly. Let it be on record that until we provide an alternative for traders on the street, we won’t send them away. But when we provide an alternative for them, like Scout Camp, we will make it functional and that’s the way we want it to be done. Some people can go ahead to twist whatever we have said but the truth is always constant, and the people of Oyo State know the truth.
“We will continue to grant special recognition to people living with disabilities. Whatever we need to do to ensure proper regulations will be done. It should not be so difficult. We will continue to encourage people granting building permits to look out for people living with disabilities in the building designs.
“Also, regarding the commission on people living with disabilities and small business grant, it is work in progress. And I believe we will also achieve this before the expiration of this tenure.”
According to the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Adeniyi Farinto, the programme was a further attestation to the all-inclusive nature of governance under the present administration in Oyo State and its resolve to enshrine the principle of equity and participatory approach to governance.
The programme was attended by government officials, the traditional institution, Civil Society Organisations, and stakeholders from all the local governments that make up Ibadan City.
