By Daniel Abe
The Executive Chairman of Ijero local government area of Ekiti State, Hon. Adeola Adeyemo has presented to the legislative arm 2.9bn proposed budget, which he tagged “Budget of reality”.
The budget presentation which was a joint one, also covered the 2023 fiscal expenditures of the three Local Council Development Areas(LCDAs) under Ijero local government, which are,Irewolede, Irede and Eso-obe LCDAs.
Speaking at the event,Hon. Adeyemo said the budget aligned with the desires of all stakeholders in the local government, including the LCDAs and is in tandem with the six point agenda of the state government,led by governor Biodun Oyebanji.
According to the Council Boss,the budget will be financed by funds from the federation account, Value Added Tax(VAT),Excess Crude, Development Partners and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
The Chairman while dwelling on the budget performance of the 2022,reeled out the landmark achievements recorded so far by his administration, while also promising to leverage all of these projects in order to take the council to a greater and enviable heights.
“This year 2023 shall witness progress in the provision of essential services and basic needs that will make life more comfortable for our people of Ijero local government and the three (3) Local Counci Development Areas”.
According to Adeyemo, the total expected income for Ijero local government was two Billion,Nine Hundred and Eighty Eight Million,Six Hundred and Twenty Five Thousand Naira (2,988,625,000.00),that of Irede LCDA was put at Six Hundred and Thirteen Million, Six Hundred and Sixty Six Thousand,Three Hundred and Thirty Three Naira(613,666,330.00). Irewolede LCDA was put at Four Hundred and Sixty Million,Three Hundred and Thirty Five Thousand Naira only(460,335.00),while that of Eso-obe was put at Eighty Five Million (85,000,000.00).
Adeyemo also highlighted that a substantial amount of money have been earmarked by his administration and the three LCDAs for the construction of blocks of classrooms, rehabilitation of primary schools, Bursary/Schorlarship to indigenous students in various institutions ,mass literacy campaign and purchase of sports equipments.
On capital projects, Adeyemo said a sum of Seven Hundred and Forty Million,Five Hundred and Forty Five Thousand Naira (740,545,000.00k) was earmarked for capital expenditures in Ijero local government, while that of Irede LCDA was to gulp a sum of Three Hundred and Twenty Seven Million,Six Hundred and Sixty Thousand,Three Hundred and Thirty Three Naira (327,666,33300). Irewolede LCDA is Three Hundred and Eighty Three Million, Seven Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira (383,780,000.00) and Eso-obe was put at Fifty Five Million Naira(55,000,000.00)
The Chairman expressed appreciation to governor Biodun Oyebanji For providing enabling environment for local government system to thrive in Ekiti State.
He also thanked his Predecessor,Dr. Kayode Fayemi for creating the Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), which gave Ijero local government the opportunity of having additional three (3) local councils.
He then presented a budget of 2.9bn to the Councillors for their perusals,consideration and approval.
Also speaking,the Executive Chairman of Irede LCDA, Hon. Gbenga Abobade, thanked the traditional rulers, community leaders and the entire people of the council areas for their unflinching support and cooperation towards the administraion of APC led government at the Federal, State and local levels. He assured that the 2023 budget will bring unprecedented development to all the communities in the council areas.
In his response,the Leader of Ijero Legislative Arm, Rt. Hon. Idowu Osunyomi, appreciated the Chairmen and everyone present for their support and cooperation,he then promised on behalf of others that the budget would be given accelerated passage.
Present at the event were the Chairman, Irede LCDA,Hon. Gbenga Abobade,Chairperson, Irewolede LCDA Hon (Mrs) Dupe Bakare,ably represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Samson Kolawole, Chairman, Eso-obe LCDA, Hon. Tosin Oluwole, Vice Chairman, Ijero local government, Hon. Oladeji Adetunji,Vice Chairman, Irede LCDA, Hon. Alfred Fabunmi, Secretary, Ijero local government, Hon. Dare Aniyikaye, Secretary, Irede LCDA, Hon. Yinka Adumati,all the Councillors from the twelve Wards, Supervisors, and Special Advisers.
Also in attendance were His Royal Majesty, Oba Emmanuel Adedara,Alara of Ara-Ekiti, party chieftains, senior management staff of the council areas and a host of others.