Traditional rulers in Owo and Ose Local Government Areas of Ondo State have commended the Akeredolu-led administration for the various infrastructure development in their various communities.
The Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III spoke during the consultative meeting organised by the state Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget on 2020 budget preparation and the 2020-2022 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), held at Owo Local Government Secretariat Hall, Owo.
Represented by the Ojumu of Owo, High Chief Olarewaju Famakinwa, the Olowo said the people of the state were particularly grateful to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for changing the face of many towns and villages with massive road construction and other laudable projects.
Also speaking, the Alani of Idoani, Oba Olufemi Olutoye said he was impressed by the Akeredolu-led administration’s infrastructure development across the state, promised that the people of the area are going to reciprocate the good governance of the state by massively voting for his second term bid during next year governorship election.
Earlier in his speech, the State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan disclosed that the present government has executed over 280 projects in the two Local Government Areas.
According to him, these projects include constructions and rehabilitations of roads as well as nonfunctional boreholes through Kamomi Aketi Accelerated Water Scheme, rehabilitation and construction of Public Primary Schools, health facilities, distribution of agricultural seedling and inputs among others.
Pastor Igbasan, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Bunmi Alade said the interaction would enable government to always include people's top priority projects, foster better relationship and improve public awareness of government's policies, programmes and achievements.
According to him, Governor Akeredolu had laid a solid foundation for sustainable development with 2018 budget while 2019 budget build on the modest achievements of the 2018 budget.
He added that the 2020 budget would focus on projects that would further impact positively and transform the lives of the citizens particularly Youth and Women empowerment through agriculture, Micro, Small and medium scale enterprise among others.
The Commissioner stated that 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.
He noted that most of the issues raised at the last year consultative meeting with the stakeholders in the Local Government have been carried out, he therefore, called on the people 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.
In his opening remarks, the Director of Budget, Mr Stephen Aworere 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.
Other Stakeholders who attended the meeting appealed to the state government for the construction of more roads especially in the rural communities which according to them would help to easy transportation of agricultural products and further bring development to the area.
The meeting was attended by Caretaker Chairmen in the zone, Market Women, Non-governmental organisations, youth leaders, farmers and other stakeholders.