By Eric Elezuo

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has presented a draft budget of N273.9 billion to the state House of Assembly.

Addressing the lawmakers during the presentation, Adeleke assures that the budget is aimed at reconstructing the fabrics and recovering the lost grounds of the state as it inherited a battered economy, adding that with the continuous support of the legislative arm, the state will soar to greater heights.

He also informed that the budget figures, which comprises the current and capital expenditures of One Hundred and Sixty – Five Billion, Six Hundred and Fifty – Four Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy – Six Thousand, Seven Hundred Naira (N165,654,976,700.00) and One Hundred and Eight Billion, Two Hundred and Fifty – Four Million, Twenty Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ten Naira (N108,254,020,710.00) respectively, are programmed to alleviate the condition of the regular Osun resident.

The governor’s speech is presented in detail below:

“In conformity with the existing laws which stipulate that the draft Budget of the State should be presented to the House for approval before the end of the year, I am pleased to present to the honourable members of Osun State House of Assembly through the Honourable Speaker, the Draft 2024 Budget of Osun State.

“I sincerely thank the Hon. Speaker and all the Honourable members of the Assembly for your mutual understanding, cooperation in our collective effort and desire to take our dear State to greater heights. Without iota of doubt, whatever achievement we have recorded so far could not have been possible, but for your support.

“I therefore, on behalf of the Executive Arm express our gratitude to the entire House and hoping to receive more of such support in the coming years.

“Hon. Speaker, I am highly delighted to present to you and honourable members of the Assembly, the 2024 draft Budget tagged “BUDGET OF RECONSTRUCTION AND RECOVERY” in the sum of Two Hundred and Seventy- Three Billion, Nine Hundred and Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety -Seven Thousand, Four Hundred and Ten Naira (N273,908,997,410.00).

“This figure is made up of recurrent expenditure of One Hundred and Sixty – Five Billion, Six Hundred and Fifty – Four Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy – Six Thousand, Seven Hundred Naira (N165,654,976,700.00) and capital expenditure of One Hundred and Eight Billion, Two Hundred and Fifty – Four Million, Twenty Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ten Naira (N108,254,020,710.00).

“The tag for this budget reflects our current focus of rebuilding the battered state we inherited. It is a sign we are targetting recovery after successful revamping of all sectors of Osun society. I assure honourable members that the executive arm has the will and the determination to ensure achievements of budgetary goals once this proposal is passed into Appropriation Act.

“Today, I am reassured of our collective partnership for a new Osun of our dream. You have in me a Governor with firm belief in executive-legislative collaboration for development.”