Priscilla Ofunre, Ado-Ekiti
Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, on Tuesday, presented a N109,666,376,722.61k proposed Appropriation Bill for 2021 to the state’s House of Assembly for consideration.
The budget christened ‘Budget of Recovery and Economic Restoration’, has N51,668,386,739.99 as capital expenditure representing 47 per cent, and the sum N57,997,989, 982.62 representing 53 percent as recurrent expenditure.
The draft bill has Governance taking the largest share of N29, 322,242,503.22 representing 27% while a total of N25,274,622,256.2 representing 23 % is set aside for Social Investments. Others like Infrastructure and Industrial Development is allocated N25,217,177,807.67 representing 23%; Agriculture and Rural Development has N7,920,439,216.75 representing 7% while N21,931,894,938.68 representing 20% goes into Knowledge Economy.
Governor Fayemi, who presented the budget before the Speaker, Rt. Hon Funminiyi Afuye, and other members of the Assembly, said the budget was designed to enhance speedy economic recovery and restoration of the people and the State from the debilitating effects of the coronavirus outbreak.
The Assembly complex witnessed an exciting mood, as deputy governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers led by the Chairman traditional council of Obas and Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Ajibade Alabi, party leaders, interest groups and other loyalists of the governor thronged the Assembly complex for the event.
The proposal, which, according to the governor, was a reflection of the objectives of the five pillars that anchored his administration, was a product of wide public consultation through town hall meetings held across the three senatorial district of the state.
Governor Fayemi explained that the 2021 budget has the objective of providing and increasing job opportunities for the teeming youths through agricultural development and supports for small and medium scale enterprises (SMSES) in the state and as well guarantee the speedy completion of all ongoing developmental projects through equitable and prudent distribution of available resources.
He added that ample provision has been made in the 2021 budget for the completion of major roads in the State like Ado-Iyin Road, Agbado-Ode-Omuo Road, Ilupeju-Ire-Igbemo Road, Aramoko-Erijiyan-Ikogosi Road and Oye-Ayede-Iye-Otun Road and other critical inter township roads for security reasons and also agricultural chain. He said work shall continue on the construction of the Cargo Airport project in 2021 adding that the first phase of the Ring Road around the state capital shall commence.
The governor revealed that efforts were in top gear to collaborate with Transition Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Development partners to build 233KVA as well as embark on Independent Power Project in 2021. This, according to him, would ensure wider coverage and better transmission in hilly hinterlands, such as Efon Alaaye, Okemesi, among others, where Booster Stations were being planned to be built for Radio and Television Stations.
Stressing the commitment of his administration to public servants and the welfare of the people, Governor Fayemi said provision has been made in the 2021 budget to extend the implementation of the minimum wage across all grade levels.
He said, “Rt. Hon. Speaker, distinguished Honourable Members, Ladies and Gentlemen, the 2021 Budget is aimed at speedy economy recovery and restoration from the debilitating effects of the Coronavirus.
“Based on global forecast, it is envisaged that the impact of the pandemic would span for a period of two to three years.
“The 2021 budget, therefore, is designed to lift our people out of poverty. It shall focus on empowerment and social security. Consequently, the Budget, has been christened Budget of Recovery and Economic Restoration.
“To mitigate the effect of the pandemic on our economy in the year 2021, we have developed a 2021 Draft Budget to restore the ailing economy to a buoyant state through strategic investments in critical sectors of the state.
“With the intention to eliminate poverty through strategic and well-coordinated empowerment programmes and other social investment programmes,” the governor said.
Reviewing the budget performance for year 2020, Governor Fayemi said his administration has been able to deliver legacy projects which were expected to transform the economic situation of the state.
Governor Fayemi highlighted the achievements of his administration to include completion of the Civic Centre, Ultra-Modern Market in Ado Ekiti, Two Secretariat Buildings, building an ultra modern Water Corporation Headquarters in Ado-Ekiti, Rehabilitation of Ero Dam, Rehabilitation of Egbe Dam, resuscitation of the moribund Ikun Dairy Farm through Private Public Partnership arrangement with Promasidor Nigeria Limited (Producer of Cowbell Milk), Building of four new Model Secondary Schools in Ado Ekiti, massive renovations of buildings in some other schools were constructed or renovated through SUBEB.
Others are the renovation of Hospital Buildings at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) Ado Ekiti, installation of Molecular Laboratory at the Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, renovation of House of Assembly Complex, completion and commissioning of about fifty (50) EKCSDA projects and recruitment of Teachers, Doctors and Civil Servants.
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Fayemi who sought thorough and timely consideration for the appropriation bill, had earlier requested that a minute silence be observed in honour of the late former Deputy Speaker, Hon Saliu Adeoti who died 10 years ago in active service to the state.
Earlier, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Afuye, who welcomed the governor to the chamber, commended him for being honest with the implementation of the 2020 budget despite the lean resources of the state and the novel Coronavirus pandemic that have ravaged, ravished and tormented the global economy including that of Ekiti state.
Hon. Afuye noted that the governor has not failed in his duties and obligation to the people of the state which he attributed to his economic wizardry which has kept the state afloat in the present debilitating circumstances.
While expressing the appreciation of the Legislators to the governor, the Speaker remarked that the state has witnessed remarkable development and all round transformation during the year under review adding that the report of the various House committees during the conduct of their oversight functions across the state have been a testimony of outstanding performance.
He used the opportunity to appeal to the rampaging youths to embrace peace and explore the opportunity of redressing mechanism put in place by government, noting that the present administration believes in accountable leadership to all segments of the society especially the youths who are the future leaders of the state.