From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
The Ekiti State House of Assembly has approved the passage of N109,666,376,722.61 Appropriation bill for the state.
Governor Kayode Fayemi had on October 27 presented the budget of N109.6 billion with the theme “Budget of Recovery and Economic Restoration”.
The passage which occurred on Tuesday followed the submission of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation by its Chairman, Mrs Olubunmi Adelugbua at the plenary.
Adelugba said Ministries, Agencies and Parastatals appeared before various committees of the House for the defence of their estimates while a Public Hearing was organised on the bill with major stakeholders having opportunities to make contributions.
She said the organisation of the public hearing was in fulfilment of major requirements of the bill’s passage, adding that the 2021 budget estimates were consistent with the government’s fiscal policy.
Adelugbua disclosed that the budget covered all aspects of the Five Pillars of Governor Kayode Fayemi administration developmental agenda.
According to her, ‘the breakdown of the budget showed that governance takes over N29.3 billion, representing 27 per cent, Agriculture and Rural Development – N7.9 billion or seven per cent while Infrastructure and Industrial Development got N25.2 billion or 23 per cent.’
Others are Social Investment with N25.3 billion or 23 per cent and Knowledge Economy with N22 billion or 20 per cent.
The majority leader, Gboyega Aribisogan, representing Ikole Constituency 2, moved the motion for the adoption of the report and seconded by his counterpart, Mr Ajibade Adeyemi, before it was unanimously adopted by the House.
In his remarks, the Speaker, Funminiyi Afuye, commended the committee and other members of the house for their efforts that led to the passage of the 2021 budget estimate.
He expressed optimism that the 2021 budget would be fully implemented in order for Ekiti people to continue to enjoy the superlative services and benefits inherent in democratic governance.