Politics
THE Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State has presented N14.2 billion 2025 budget to its legislative arm.
Mr Ganiyu Egunjobi, Executive Chairman of the local government while addressing the legislative arm of the council, said the budget was 48 per cent above the 2024 approved appropriation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the budget was tagged: “Budget of Sustainable Transition.”
According to him, the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the council is projected at N194.5 million while the state co-ordinated revenue is put at N96.5 million.
Egunjobi said allocations from the federation accounts and value-added taxes (VAT) are also projected at N13.884 billion.
“A provision of N8,182,193,243.88 has been budgeted as recurrent expenditure for the year while the capital and social service expenditure is estimated at N5,992,702,945.
“For clarity, let me state here that the budget has a recurrent to capital ratio of 58 per cent to 42 per cent respectively,” he said.
The chairman said the key highlights of the budget include sustaining infrastructure growth by completing ongoing projects and initiating new ones to further engender development in the area.
He noted that his administration has crafted enhanced programmes for job creation, youth development, empowerment and continuous support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The chairman added that he would make further investments in accessible healthcare and quality education to build healthy and enlightened residents.
Egunjobi said the 2025 budget was a deliberate effort to consolidate the gains of the past while ensuring a seamless handover to the next administration.
He added that the budget was crafted with the vision of sustainability, equity, and inclusiveness, ensuring that the people of Agege continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
The chairman appreciated the lawmakers, saying collective efforts and support of the members enhanced the development of the local government.
Egunjobi expressed optimism that the relationships and structures built would outlive the administration and serve residents effectively.
“I reaffirm my commitment to Agege local government and its people. While this is my last budget presentation as your executive chairman, my service to our community does not end here.
“I remain a proud son of Agege, dedicated to its continued growth and prosperity and I shall make myself available to continue to serve in any capacity the future holds.
“Thank you for the trust, the partnership, and the privilege of serving as your chairman.
“Together, we have written a chapter of progress, and together, we will build an even brighter future,” the chairman said.
Egunjobi said the legislative excellence and unwavering support for the executive arm of government have been pivotal in ensuring the smooth implementation of policies and programmes.
He noted that in spite of challenges, they achieved remarkable milestones, and laid a strong foundation for sustainable development.
Egunjobi highlighted some of the accomplishments to include infrastructure development, from roads to schools, health centres, and other public infrastructure.
“We have invested in projects that have transformed Agege into a model of urban renewal and resilience.
“In youth empowerment and social welfare, our administration has prioritised empowering our youth through skill acquisition, empowerment programmes, and entrepreneurial initiatives.
“We also ensure that the most vulnerable in our society are cared for and taken off the streets. This has improved social inclusion and a more secure environment for our residents,” he said.
On revenue growth and fiscal prudence, Egunjobi said in spite of economic challenges, the council implemented policies that boosted IGR, enabling it to meet the growing needs of residents without compromising fiscal discipline.
“In the health, environmental management and education sector, from improved healthcare delivery systems to enhanced learning environments in public schools, we have strived to uplift these critical sectors.
“We have also ensured a safer, cleaner environment through our aggressive refuse management system.
“These achievements would not have been possible without your consistent legislative support, oversight, and guidance,” the chairman said.
The chairman pledged to improve transparency and accountability in governance, assuring residents of unwavering resolve to work assiduously till his last day in office.
Commenting, Mr Najeem Oloruntoyin, Leader of the Legislative Arm in the Council, said the legislators would thoroughly work on the budget and expedite its passage for the benefit of the residents.
“We want our people to enjoy the dividends of democracy at the grassroots level.
“We will work promptly on the appropriation and ensure the residents are carried along with the budget through infrastructural development,” the leader said. (NAN)
A.I
Dec. 18, 2024
Tags: Mr Ganiyu Egunjobi Mr Najeem Oloruntoyin
