By; ODEYEMI SAMUEL, Akure
The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN has signed the Appropriation Bill, 2018, Contributory Health Commission and Social Protection Bills into law.
Speaking at the occasion, Akeredolu assured that the people of the state shall remain the central focus since he has signed the three bills into law for the overall interest of the citizens of the state.
He how ever commended the Speaker of the state House of Assembly and other Principal Officers “as the representatives of the people, we expect no less dedication to service in the interest of those we serve”.
He acknowledged the fact that ” the people of our dear State have been short-changed for so long. The bills which have been passed awaiting assent attest eloquently to the patriotism of the honourable members”.
Posterity, he said, will surely remember every one that contributed in no small measure to making the event an historic one being the first of its kind in the history of the state.
“I am invited to give Assent to the Appropriation Bill, 2018, Contributory Health Commission Bill, 2018 and the Ondo State Social Protection Bill, 2018. Let me state that I shall append my signature to the documents with palpable excitement and enthusiasm”
He expressed the believe that the three bills if properly implemented, will advance the course of the development of the state.
The total budget passed which is N181.424 Billion, he said consist of Debt service which takes an estimated sum of N13.600 Billion or 7.5%. Statutory Transfers to OSOPADEC and Local Governments is N8.307 Billion or 4.6%. the sum of N78.588 Billion or 43.3% is set aside for recurrent expenditure.
“Our problem as a people” he said, “does not necessarily lie in the absence of laws. We must be concerned with the situation which compels us to grapple with basic issues of existence amidst the plenitude of statutory provisions well-conceived to address challenges”.
The Governor disclosed the readiness of his administration
to concentrate more on capital expenditure to abridge the huge infrastructural deficit in the State.
Consequently, he said, the capital expenditure for the 2018 fiscal year stands at N80.929 Billion or 46% of the total Budget, adding that there is a remarkable leap in projection considering the aspiration for real development.
Earlier in his address, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. David Dele Oleyelogun scored the Governor high in area of Education describing him as a legal luminary that upholds the rule of law.
According to him, a bill on Health is intended to establish Health institution to ensure that the people are in good stare of health while the property protection Act will guarantee the safety of lives and properties of the people of the Sunshine state.
