TUE NOV 18 2025-theGBJournal| The Ondo State Government on Monday, set out an economic consolidation budget of a N492.8 billion, underpinned by a 57% allocation to capital projects, focusing on education, roads, healthcare, human capital development, food security and infrastructure expansion.
State Governor Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa said that budget aims to consolidate reforms, stabilize economic gains from 2025, and sustain growth across critical sectors, while presenting the budget document to the State House of Assembly.
He explained that the 2025 budget was revised downward from N698.6 billion to N490 billion due to unrealized donor inflows, stressing the need for realistic fiscal projections.
On the 2026 fiscal framework, the Governor noted possible revenue constraints due to the new VAT sharing formula and tax exemptions for low-income earners, but reaffirmed commitment to prudent management and project completion.
The House Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, commended the timely budget presentation, praised the Governor’s leadership and acknowledged improved legislative welfare through the new Consolidated Legislative Salary Scheme Fund. He assured continued collaboration for the progress of the State.
Meanwhile, despite revenue shortfalls seen in 20225, the administration recorded significant achievements in key sectors of the economy. These include:
-Recruitment of 2,100 teachers, payment of N633.9 million WAEC fees for 23,048 students, full NABTEB sponsorship, and over N636 million in scholarships and bursaries.
-Renovation of 134 primary schools, upgrade of 60 secondary schools, modernisation of technical colleges and expansion of OAUSTECH academic programmes.
-Strengthening of healthcare through expanded Orange Health Insurance, support for 40,000 mothers and children, and upgrade of 102 PHCs under the World Bank IMPACT project.
-Major progress on road projects, including Oke-Aro–Idanre, Akungba–Ikare and Okitipupa–Igbokoda roads, alongside flyover and rural road works spanning over 446km.
-Advances in water supply schemes, agricultural expansion of 26,000 hectares, cocoa seedling distribution, rural market upgrades and improved livestock support.
-Revival of the Omotosho power plant, deployment of solar mini-grids to 30 communities and expanded rural electricity licensing.
-Environmental management, emergency response preparedness and strengthened sanitation efforts.
-Social protection programmes such as OD-CARES, which provided cash transfers to 10,550 households, job opportunities for nearly 20,000 people and grants for 1,863 small businesses.
-Payment of over N3.7 billion in gratuities, restoration of the School Shuttle Scheme and extensive ICT/technology development initiatives.
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