By Our Reporter
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has unveiled a N655.23 billion budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year, describing it as a “Budget of Recovery” aimed at addressing socio-economic challenges and fostering prosperity.
The budget was presented during a plenary session at the State House of Assembly in Akure on Tuesday, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji.
The proposal allocates N248.923 billion (37.99%) for recurrent expenditure and N406.307 billion (62.01%) for capital projects.
With infrastructure development taking the lion’s share of N238.572 billion (36.40%), the budget underscores the administration’s focus on building essential facilities.
Other major allocations include N125.456 billion for public finance (19%), N77.024 billion for education (11.80%), N56.102 billion for agriculture (8.60%), and N46.016 billion for health (7%).
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to the people of Ondo State for their support during the recent gubernatorial election and highlighted his administration’s achievements in agriculture, infrastructure, and human capital development.
He emphasised continuity with the legacy of his predecessor, the late Arakunrin Odunayo Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, while outlining the 2025 budget as a pathway to consolidate past gains.
Innovations in Electricity Distribution
In a significant announcement, the Governor detailed plans to improve electricity distribution through the Ondo State Mass Metering Scheme, also known as the O’Datiwa Meter.
He revealed that an interim Independent Electricity Distribution License has been issued to Anyingba Independent Electricity Distribution Company to serve the Southern Senatorial District, including Ese-Odo, Irele, Okitipupa, and Ilaje.
Additionally, a provisional license has been granted to BEDC Electricity Ondo Limited, a subsidiary of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, to manage electricity in Ondo State under new Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) regulations.
These measures aim to enhance service quality and expand access to power in underserved communities.
Tackling Economic Challenges
Governor Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the difficulties posed by inflation and the removal of fuel subsidies, which necessitated revising the 2024 budget from N395.257 billion to N492.045 billion.
He noted that: “despite these challenges, the state achieved a revenue collection of N352.1 billion by the third quarter, representing 71.56% of the target.
“However, inflation adversely affected capital expenditure performance, which stood at N49.957 billion by the end of Q3.”
Looking ahead, the Governor reiterated the administration’s commitment to addressing food security, expanding human capital, fostering infrastructure growth, and investing in renewable energy and the blue economy.
He stressed the importance of completing ongoing projects while adopting sustainable economic models to secure a brighter future for Ondo State.
Legislative Support and Oversight
In his response, Speaker of the House, Olamide Oladiji praised the Governor for his achievements, particularly in critical sectors, which contributed to his electoral victory.
He assured the public that the House of Assembly would scrutinise the budget thoroughly to ensure it positively impacts all citizens.
The Speaker also pledged an expedited review of the 2025 proposal to facilitate its timely implementation.
