The Governor of the State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Tuesday, 10 November, 2020 presented a sum of N109.855 billion as 2021 Appropriation Estimates to the State House of Assembly.
This is even as the Governor unveiled a bumper plan of his administration for the youth segment of the State’s population christened Youth Empowerment, Youth Engagement, Youth Enterpreneuship and Youth Education (4Es).
Christened ‘Budget of Providence’, the Appropriation Bill puts recurrent expenditure at N50.620 billion representing 46 percent, while capital expenditure was N59.234 billion representing 54 percent.
The breakdown of the budget indicated that the education and health sectors got substantial shares as N10.711 billion representing 18.08 percent was allocated for education sector while health sector received N10.647 billion representing 17.98 percent.
Similarly, N4.271 billion representing 7.21 percent was earmarked for infrastructure sector while Water and Sanitation sector got N4.220 billion.
The sum of N3.404 billion representing 5.75 percent was budgeted for agriculture sector; N1.134 billion representing 1.91 percent for Commence and Industry sector; N1.515 billion representing 2.56 percent for Governance and Administration; N173.035 million representing 0.29 percent for Economic Planning and Budget sector; N167.247 million representing 0.28 percent for Environment sector; and N638.460 million representing 1.08 percent for Social Development and Welfare sector.
Also, N1.487 billion representing 2 percent of the total budget has been earmarked for youth related activities.
Furthermore, N134.379 million representing 0.23 percent was budgeted for Security Justice sector and N155.830 million representing 0.62 percent for Information and Communication sector.
It will be recalled that the state government presented a sum of N119.550 billion as 2020 Budget which was later reviewed, thus reducing the total size N82.229 billion.
Presenting the 30th Annual Appropriation Bill before the members of the State House of Assembly, Governor Oyetola said the 2021 Draft Budget was crafted based on the State of Osun Development Plan (2019-2028).
He said that the appropriation bill was also crafted in line with the Medium Term Sector Strategy (2021-2023); the administration’s manifesto; “Thank You Tour report” as well as the Citizens’ Need Assessment carried out in the 30 Local Governments plus one Area Office of the State.
Speaking on the main features of the budget, Oyetola said inputs were sought from various stakeholders in the process of the formulation of the Appropriation Bill being presented.
He called on the residents regardless of status to support the government in its efforts to jerk up the Internally Generated Revenue.
On his plans to provide jobs and the good life for the citizens and the youth, Governor Oyetola said, ”Despite the current economic situation, the Government will remain undaunted and resolute to provide sustainable livelihood and economic mainstay for the citizenry, most importantly, our teeming youth population.
”In that direction, I have recently flagged off the commencement of the International Trade Centre, Dagbolu. The Trade Centre, commencing from the next two months, will generate not less than 10,000 new jobs, 80 per cent of which will go to our youths in the State through the Dry Port, Car Marts, sundry commodity merchandises, ware housing and logistics.
”In view of the fact that the youthful population of Osun State is one of the greatest assets of the State in its economic diversification agenda, it is pertinent for Government to mainstream them into the State’s socio-economic activities. Thus, the State is poised to vigorously promote the Youth Export Development Programme (YEXDEP) in the State to enhance the contributions of the State’s youths to the non-oil export sub-sector of the economy.
“To show our government’s seriousness and commitment, a sum of N1.487 billion has been earmarked for youth related activities in the 2021 Budget proposal,” adding that the interventions will be in Mining, Agriculture, and Skills upgrade and Entrepreneurship Development programme for youths (supported by MSME/BOI Fund) among others.
He also disclosed his administration’s plan to construct a flyover bridge at the popular Olaiya junction in Osogbo, the state capital, in continuation of the government’s massive infrastructure development in the State.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Speaker of the State Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, said the legislative arm was impressed by performance index of the 2020 budget, which was 85.4 percent as at September ending, describing it as a laudable feat.
He maintained that the 2020 budget, tagged “Budget of Restoration”, did not betray its nomenclature particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, adding that the government was also able to embark on numerous capital projects, fulfill its obligation and make life meaningful for the people.
He also commended the administration for prompt payment of salaries, pension, and the recent increase in workers’ salaries across the State.