In a decisive move to advance Ondo State’s socio-economic landscape, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has presented a 2025 budget proposal of N655.23 billion to the State House of Assembly. Dubbed the “Budget of Recovery,” the comprehensive fiscal plan underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to driving growth in infrastructure, education, agriculture, healthcare, and other critical sectors.
Strategic Budget Allocation
During the presentation held on Tuesday at the Assembly Complex in Akure and presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Governor Aiyedatiwa unveiled the allocation details.
A significant 62.01% (N406.307 billion) of the budget is devoted to capital expenditure, highlighting the administration’s focus on tangible development projects. The remaining 37.99% (N248.923 billion) is designated for recurrent expenditure.
Top sectors receiving allocations include:
- Infrastructure: N238.572 billion (36.40%)
- Public Finance: N125.456 billion (19%)
- Education: N77.024 billion (11.80%)
- Agriculture: N56.102 billion (8.60%)
- Healthcare: N46.016 billion (7%)
Other notable allocations include:
- Administration of Justice: N18.364 billion (2.80%)
- Trade and Industry: N8.839 billion (1.30%)
- Environment and Sewage Management: N13.084 billion (2.00%)
- General Administration: N34.398 billion (5.20%)
- Legislative Administration: N7.636 billion (1.20%)
- Community Development: N14.128 billion (2.20%)
A Vision for Recovery
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to the people of Ondo State for their support during the recent gubernatorial elections, describing the 2025 budget as a roadmap to recovery and consolidation of past achievements.
“By the grace of God, we have delivered on our promises, and we now seek to consolidate our gains through the 2025 Budget of Recovery,” he stated.
Acknowledging the economic challenges of inflation and subsidy removal, the Governor commended the Assembly’s role in approving the revised 2024 budget, which laid the groundwork for sustained growth.
Key Achievements and Initiatives
Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted notable accomplishments, including strides in infrastructure, agriculture, and human capital development. Among the initiatives is the Ondo State Mass Metering Scheme—the “O’Datiwa Meter”—which aims to enhance electricity distribution across the state.
In furthering energy reliability, the government issued an interim Independent Electricity Distribution License to Anyingba Independent Electricity Distribution Company for the Southern Senatorial District. A provisional license was also granted to BEDC Electricity Ondo Limited for state-wide electricity management.
2024 Fiscal Year Performance and 2025 Outlook
Reflecting on 2024, the Governor noted an upward revision of the year’s budget to N492.045 billion to address economic challenges. By the third quarter, revenue collection had reached N352.1 billion, representing 71.56% of the target.
The 2025 “Budget of Recovery” seeks to address socio-economic challenges by prioritizing initiatives in food security, renewable energy, education, and infrastructure expansion to foster sustainable development.
Assembly’s Assurance
Speaker Olamide Oladiji lauded the Governor’s achievements and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to ensuring the budget serves the interests of all citizens.
“The budget will be scrutinized thoroughly to ensure it positively impacts every citizen,” Oladiji assured, pledging the Assembly’s dedication to its timely and effective passage.
Governor Aiyedatiwa concluded by reaffirming his administration’s resolve to complete ongoing projects and deliver prosperity to the people of Ondo State.
