. . . Reiterates commitment to completion of ongoing projects

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, on Thursday, presented the 2022 budget estimate of N100,753, 993,241.60 christened "Budget of Legacy and Consolidation” to the State House of Assembly.

The budget which, according to the Governor, was a product of wider consultation, is made up of N60.686,914,229.22 Recurrent Expenditure and N40.067,079,021.38 Capital Expenditure, making a ratio reflection of 60:40 of recurrent to capital expenditures.

Dr Fayemi disclosed that the major objective of the budget was to ensure that all ongoing legacy projects, including the State Cargo Airport and the new Ado-Iyin road and other new road projects were completed to consolidate his administration’s plan to transform the state.

He added that the budget was designed to reduce unemployment, attract more investors, ensure smooth transition to the in-coming administration, increase the state’s internally generated revenue, improve security architectures, contain the spread of COVID-19 third wave and reduce its negative impact on the livelihood of the people, among others.

“Rt. Hon. Speaker Sir, Honourable Members, Ladies and Gentlemen, may I state that 2022 fiscal year is a watershed in the life of this administration on one hand, and in Ekiti State in general.

“It is a year of transition to a new administration. To this end, the primary objective of the 2022 Budget is to complete and consolidate on our numerous achievements and prepare a solid economic foundation for the in-coming administration.

“Therefore, only critical projects and programmes of short-term completion that will boost the economy of the State through attraction of more investors and mitigate against the risk of climate change have been considered in the 2022 Budget,” Dr Fayemi said.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritizing worker’s welfare, adding that adequate provision has been made in the budget to defray backlog of salary arrears inherited from the past administration.

The Governor also announced that the 2022 budget incorporated the budget proposal submitted by the two arms of government to the executive in accordance with the provisions of the fund management law.

Dr Fayemi further informed members of the house that adequate provision has been made for the completion of ongoing Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) channelization project at Oke-Ako-Irele and Oye-Ekiti as well as other on-going ecological projects in the State to safeguard the state from the effect of ecological degradation and mitigate the risk of climate change.

Giving a breakdown of the budget in accordance with the five point-agenda of his administration, governance takes the largest chunk of N36.716,049,580.38, representing 36 per cent; followed by Infrastructure and Industrial Development which take N28,056,524,153.02, representing 28 percent.

Others included Knowledge Economy – N19.716,187,472.85 representing 20 per cent; Social investment takes - N14.063,965,875.87 representing 14 per cent while Agriculture and rural development take N2.201,267,159.48 representing 2 per cent.

The Governor, however, noted that agriculture in the State was driven by private sector with an investment of over USD 300,000,000.

He also commended the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, and other members of the 6th State House of Assembly, for supporting programmes and policies geared towards the development of the State and reaffirmed his commitment to sustain the harmonious relationship with the legislature and judiciary for the betterment of the State.

Earlier, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Afuye, assured the gathering that the Assembly would work assiduously on the Appropriation Bill and ensure its passage before the end of the year.

He commended the Governor for translating the 2021 budget into reality, adding that the assembly would continue to identify and collaborate with executive on matters that have to do with the development of the state.

•PHOTO:L-R: The Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Folorunso; Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon Femi Ajayi; Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi and Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; during the presentation of the 2022 budget to the state Assembly in Ado-Ekiti…on Thursday.