Oshiomhole signs last budget as governor

Adams Oshiomhole, governor of Edo state on Tuesday signed the 2016 budget of N116.6 billion into law, including a capital expenditure of N59.6 billion.

Oshiomhole explained that the budget tagged: `Budget of Finishing Well’, was N4.9 billion higher than the N111.7 billion presented in 2015.

According to him, the budget has a recurrent expenditure of N57 billion.

He said on assumption of office more than seven years ago, his second budget in 2010 was N150 billion, explaining that the state budget had dropped from a peak to a modest one.

Oshiomhole said the state was experiencing a smaller budget at a time of mounting expectations from the people of the state.

He also expressed confidence that his successor would consolidate and build on the foundation of development already laid.

Oshiomhole said the essence of government and governance was the people, adding that, he was impressed with the 2015 budget performance.

He said in the works sector, the budget’s performance recorded was 99 per cent; health sector had 96 per cent; environment 70 per cent; and education 85 per cent.

Oshiomhole said while it was easy to sign budget, implementation was the major challenge.

He said the 2016 budget was brought down to be in tandem with the present realities on ground.

The governor also commended members of the state assembly for their commitment towards the budget.