Yesterday, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Governor of Edo State, signed the state's 2024 Appropriation Bill, valued at N342bn, into law following its passage by the Edo State House of Assembly.
While signing the bill at the Government House, Obaseki praised the State Assembly for their cooperation, noting that the majority of the budget will be allocated to capital projects to further development in the state.
He stated, “A fortnight ago, I appeared before the House to present the final budget of this administration, which we termed the 'Finishing Well Budget,' and proposed an appropriation of N342 billion.
"I want to express my gratitude to the House for their tireless efforts to ensure we achieved this today. I am aware of the diligent work put into ensuring that the bill is signed and passed into law today, well ahead of the end of the financial year.
"The majority of this budget will be used for capital projects that will benefit our people in the State, and less than 50 percent will be allocated to government operations and recurrent expenditure. We appreciate your progressive stance on this budget.”
Obaseki continued, “I want to assure you that this government will exercise prudence and discipline in its financial conduct. As a government, we ensure we fulfill and meet all our financial obligations. We meet our commitments as and when due. That is why we are able to pay salaries and benefits of staff on time.
"From what we have seen from this appropriation law, we are going to complete all priority projects we embarked on. No government can complete all the work in the life of any State or Country; it's a continuous process. But for those things we set out to do, we will surely complete them and not leave any abandoned projects.”
The governor added, “We are aware of the challenges and difficulties our citizens are facing and are working hard to complete our capital projects. We need to support the weakest in society by providing a soft landing for those who need help to sustain themselves, feed and for small businesses that need capital or support to help keep their livelihood.”
On his part, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Blessing Agbebaku, said, “Your Excellency, you presented your budget some time ago which you tagged 'budget of finishing well'. We are here today to present the finished work of the budget to you. We have all party members here both the PDP, Labour and APC. It's a total agreement on the budget.
"This budget captured all spheres of administration of this State; it captured both the young, old, poor, rich, vulnerable and everybody in the State and also captured all the projects that intend to be executed in various constituencies.”
Meanwhile, Obaseki has celebrated with His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, on the celebration of the annual Igue Festival.
In a statement, the governor said: “On the joyous occasion of this year’s Igue Festival, I extend heartfelt felicitations to His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin.
"In the spirit of the season, I pray for continued peace, progress and prosperity for all Edo people. Iselogbe!!! Oba gha to kpere ise!”