Ondo State Government has executed over 800 projects in four of the Six Local Government Areas in the Northern Senatorial Districts of the state.
These project include road constructions and rehabilitations, rehabilitation and construction of non-functional boreholes through Kamomi Aketi Accelerated Weter Scheme, rehabilitation and construction of Public Primary Schools, health facilities among others.
The State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan disclosed this during a consultative meeting with the representatives of the four Local Government Areas namely; Akoko North East, Akoko North West, Akoko South East and Akoko South West.
During the meeting which was held at Akoko North East Local Government Area Secretariat, Ikare-Akoko in preparation for the year 2020 budget and the 2020-2022 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), Pastor Igbasan said the interaction would enable government to always include people's top priority projects, foster better relationship and improve awareness of government's policies, programmes and achievements.
While highlighting the number of projects executed in each of the four local government areas, he said 224 projects were completed in Akoko North East, 160 projects in Akoko North West, 195 Akoko South East and 222 projects in Akoko South West.
According to him, Governor Akeredolu had laid a solid foundation for sustainable development with 2018 budget, while the 2019 budget had improved the development of the state, assuring that the 2020 budget would focus on projects that would further impact positively and transform the lives of the citizens.
He reiterated the commitment of the present administration to improve the living standard of the citizens within the available resources of the government, declaring that about 500km of rural roads would soon be constructed across the state in collaboration with the Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP) which according to him would enhance easy transportation of farm produce to the market.
The Commissioner stated the state government developed the bottom up approach in its budget preparation in order to accommodate the interest of various groups and embark on projects that were chosen by the people which is a clear departure from past administrations.
Igbasan who noted that most of the issues raised at the last year consultative meeting with the stakeholders have been carried out, he therefore, called on them to come up with their priorities and contributions to achieve an all-inclusive budget that would further develop their areas and improve the living standard of the people.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Bunmi Alade, said the forum was meant to enhance transparency and accountability in the budget preparation process of the states.
He stated that the rationale behind the adoption of MTEF is to achieve accurate estimation of resources available to the state within the medium term planning horizon.
Some traditional rulers who attended the meeting said they have been monitoring the projects of Governor Akeredolu on road construction, industrialization efforts, construction and renovation of schools, healthcare facilities, and many others, applauding his achievements in less than 3 years.
They therefore, appealed to the state government for the construction of more roads in Akoko communities especially the Epinmi/Ikare and Ikare/Oke Agbe road which would further bring development to the area.
The meeting was attended by Caretaker Chairmen in the Senatorial District, Market Women, Non-governmental Organisations, youth leaders, farmers and other stakeholders.
Banjo Egunjobi,
Media Manager,
MEP&B