Oyo Assembly Begins Budget Defence For Local Governments

‎In order to ensure a good budgeting system, which will serve as a clear roadmap for finances in the local government administration, CThe exercise, which is a week-long activity, is being conducted by the Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters and State Honours at the Caucus Room, Oyo State House of Assembly complex, Secretariat, Ibadan.

‎Declaring the exercise open on behalf of the Speaker, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Olajide Akintunde (AKT), disclosed that the budget defence is not just a routine administrative ritual, but a vital aspect of governance that promotes transparency, accountability, and development at the grassroots level.

‎According to him, “Budget defence as an integral aspect of governance is not only a routine administration ritual, but a constitutional responsibility of the House of Assembly to approve funds for local government in Oyo State for capital projects.

‎”The Fourth Schedule, paragraph 1, sub-section F of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, and Section 192 of the Oyo State Local Government Law, 2021, as amended, state that the House of Assembly shall have the power to approve funds for the construction and maintenance of roads, street lighting, drainages, and halls, public parks, gardens, open spaces, and such facilities that local governments want to embark upon,” he said.

‎The lawmaker, who represents Lagelu state constituency, urged local government chairmen and their teams to present their proposals clearly, justifying their projections and highlighting how their plans will improve service delivery and promote sustainable development.

‎Hon. Akintunde also assured that the Committee would review all presentations with fairness, diligence, and commitment to strengthening governance across the 33 local government areas, in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

‎Also, in her remarks, the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Muraina Taiwo-Akinola, who was represented by the Deputy Clerk, Mrs. Aderonke Ogundeji, appreciated the cooperation of the committee members, local government chairmen, and their staff to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

‎The Clerk expressed that this year’s edition of the exercise will be the second time that the Oyo State House of Assembly would be conducting the exercise with the aim of ensuring that finances of the local governments are in line with the constitution.

‎Hon. Adeola Bamidele, who is the Vice Chairman of the Committee, and Hon. Olusola Owolabi urged local government chairmen and their staff to demonstrate more commitment to the development of their respective council areas by putting in place a good budgeting system that will take care of their immediate needs.

‎They charged them, especially those from agrarian areas, to be productive by investing in agriculture and rearing cows for future and long-term benefits.

‎Speaking with newsmen on behalf of other council chairmen, the Chairman, Ogo Oluwa Local Government, Hon. Ojo Oluwaseun, appreciated the Committee’s efforts, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to access adequate funding to deliver essential services and promote development in their respective areas.

‎The exercise was attended by other members of the Committee, including Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, who is the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, Hon. Dawud Olalere, and Hon. Rasaq Mabaje.