By Rosheedat Akinkunle, JKNewsMedia Reporter
BUDGETARY REVISIONS have marked the Ogun State House of Assembly’s approval of the ₦1.054 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill.
The lawmakers passed the bill during plenary at the Assembly Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide.
Following a 20-day review, the House adjusted recurrent expenditure for 21 agencies, capital expenditures for five agencies, and revenue targets for two others.
The adjustments were detailed in a report by the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, chaired by Hon. Musefiu Lamidi.
The Ministry of Budget and Planning saw its allocation rise by ₦427 million to ₦1.902 billion, while the Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives received an additional ₦719 million, bringing its total to ₦2.499 billion.
Key sectors like health and education also benefited.
The Ministry of Health’s budget increased by ₦310 million to ₦4.116 billion, and the Teaching Service Commission’s allocation grew by ₦1.5 billion to ₦35.912 billion.
Amotekun’s funding more than doubled, climbing from ₦765 million to ₦1.575 billion.
The Speaker directed the Clerk, Mr. Sakiru Adebakin, to forward the clean copy of the bill to Governor Dapo Abiodun for assent.
Separately, Governor Abiodun used his Christmas message to urge Nigerians to remain hopeful despite economic challenges.
He highlighted initiatives such as the distribution of palliatives, support for farmers, and the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as evidence of his administration’s efforts to tackle inflation.
Abiodun expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic future, attributing positive trends to federal reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He called for unity and tolerance among Nigerians to promote peace and development.
Governor Urges Optimism Towars the New Year
In the festive optimisn, Ogun State Governo Dapo Abiodun, has extended warm greetings to Christians on this year’s Christmas celebration, urging Nigerians to remain hopeful despite prevailing economic challenges.
He encouraged everyone to look beyond current difficulties and embrace optimism for a brighter future.
In his Christmas message on Tuesday, the governor assured Nigerians that the nation’s struggles are temporary, adding, “There is certainly light at the end of the tunnel for us all.”
He called on Ogun State residents to foster tolerance and harmony, regardless of religious differences, as a foundation for lasting peace and unity. He also appealed for greater patriotism and a collective dedication to Nigeria’s growth and development.
Governor Abiodun highlighted the positive impacts of reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, noting that these initiatives are steadily revitalising the economy.
He cited measures such as the introduction of palliatives, promotion of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) usage, deployment of electric-powered bicycles, and support for farmers as vital steps his administration has taken to cushion the effects of inflation.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to implementing projects that directly benefit the people of Ogun State, pledging to sustain efforts aimed at improving living standards.
“As we celebrate this season in moderation, let us remember that our current economic challenges are transient.
We must support the reforms initiated by President Tinubu to revitalise our economy and ensure prosperity,” he said.
Abiodun expressed confidence in the ongoing efforts, adding that the benefits are becoming visible across various sectors of the economy.