By Dayo Johnson, Akure

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has signed the 2025 appropriation bill of N698.6 billion, dubbed the “Budget of Recovery,” into law.

The budget, passed by the State House of Assembly, allocates N433.622 billion (62.06%) for capital expenditure and N265.037 billion (37.94%) for recurrent expenditure.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the budget as a reflection of the collective aspirations of Ondo State.

“The budget reflects our collective vision for the future of Ondo State and demonstrates that when we work together, we can achieve great things for our people,” he said.

The governor highlighted priority sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and social welfare.

“These allocations are not just numbers on a page; they are proposed investments in the lives and well-being of every resident of our state,” Aiyedatiwa stated.

He emphasized that the budget would enhance opportunities, improve livelihoods, and ensure sustainable development for present and future generations.

Governor Aiyedatiwa announced that the 2025 budget would be accessible on the state’s budget portal starting January 1, 2025.

“The 2025 budget is a tool for achieving the O’DATIWA O’DIRORUN (OUR EASE) goals, and we will ensure its implementation is done with utmost responsibility and efficiency,” he assured.

He reiterated the administration’s commitment to economic development, food security, community resilience, and social inclusion.

The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, commended the governor for his dedication to advancing key sectors of the state’s economy.

Oladiji highlighted the upward revision of the budget from N655.230 billion to N698.659 billion as a testament to the administration’s resolve to address the state’s growing needs.

The Speaker also praised the governor for enacting several legislative frameworks, including the Agriculture Law, Transparency Law, Building Plans Law, and the Anti-Land Grabbing Law, describing them as milestones in fostering economic growth, good governance, and social justice.

Oladiji urged stakeholders to unite in ensuring the effective implementation of the budget and other transformative initiatives, reaffirming the Assembly’s support for the governor’s developmental agenda.

The 2025 budget is poised to drive growth and sustainable development across Ondo State, signaling a new phase of recovery and progress.