Dapo Abiodun’s N1.05trn proposed 2025 budget key to Ogun’s prosperity, says elders council

The Governor’s Elders Advisory Council (GEAC) in Ogun state says the proposed 2025 budget by Dapo Abiodun, the state governor, is key to the much-needed progress and prosperity for the people of the state.

Olu Okuboyejo, chairman of the council, spoke on Thursday during a chat with journalists following the meeting with the governor in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

On Wednesday, Abiodun presented N1.054 trillion as a proposed budget for the 2025 fiscal year to the state house of assembly.

The proposal has been dubbed the “Budget of Hope and Prosperity,” reflecting the administration’s commitment to sustainable growth and the welfare of Ogun state residents.

Okuboyejo said allocating a trillion for Ogun state is a clear indication of the governor’s determination to drive progress, particularly when compared to states of a similar or larger size.

He emphasised that the scale of next year’s budget demonstrates Abiodun’s vision for the future of the state.

He commended Abiodun for dreaming big by presenting a substantial budget that would in turn, help his administration succeed.

“You can see the size of the current one and the old one. It is progress, it is prosperity, and if you look at the emphasis of the budget, the key areas rest on the government’s own mantra of ISEYA,” he said.

“This is a big budget. The performance last year was put at about 70 percent. This one, we advise him to go much higher, above 80 percent, and we wish him well.”

He also commended the synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government in the state.

Okuboyejo expressed confidence that, with continued cooperation, the governor’s promises to the people of Ogun would be fulfilled.

“One thing stands to his credit: if he makes a promise, he keeps it; that is a credit. He should not deviate from it. All those areas that have been touched in the budget, he should get them through, and the people will stand by him,” he said.

“It becomes significant to somebody who has had relationships between the executive and the legislature.

“Experience has shown that if there is no cordial relationship, understanding, or synergy in working, things will not move.

“Today, at the presentation of that budget, the synergy, affection, and closeness of the legislature and the executive were demonstrated through the address of the speaker and the response of the Governor. So, it gladdens our hearts to see that the relationship exists.”