2020 Budget Review: Osun Residents Participate In Process, As Govt Promises Continuation Of Inclusive Governance

Kingsley Omoyeni

As a result of the negative economic effect of the Coronavirus pandemic ravaging the entire world, government of Osun has organized a consultative forum giving residents of the state a say in the review of the year 2020 budget estimate.

Tagged: “Year 2020 Reviewed Covid-19 Responsive Budget Consultative Forum” attendees include: traditional rulers, religious leaders, Civil Society Organizations(CSOs), Non-governmental Organizations(NGOs), Market Men and Women Associations, Media Groups, Labour Unions among others.

Declaring the consultative forum open, Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Prof. Olalekan Yinusa said it became necessary to interact with the citizens of the state in relation to the capital composition of the Year 2020 budget.

He stated that the variables on which the #119.5b 2020 budget estimate for Osun was based upon has been greatly affected by the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the world economy.

Yinusa stated further that based on the accruals so far in the ongoing year, it is now clear that the state can no longer meet up with the estimated budget for year 2020, hence the need to let the people have their say in the reveiew of the budget.

The University don added that despite the financial challenges occasioned by the economic effect of Covid-19, the Adegboyega Oyetola administration is determined to meet the needs of the people through an open and inclusive style of governance.

He said, “We are here to rub minds and review the 2020 budget of our state together. The Coronavirus pandemic has adversely affected the economy of the world and that of our state. While reviewing the budget, the government still wants to carry you the people along, that’s why we are here.

“In the reveiew of the budget, it is still your needs that government wants to take as priority. Fiscal transparency is still key under this government. The administration of Mr Adegboyega Oyetola is still determined to meet your needs despite the harsh economic situation”. Prof. Yinusa stated.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Special Needs, Hon. Yemi Lawal assured residents of the state and especially the physically challenged in the society that government will never take their welfare for granted.

He said the present administration will continue to prioritize their welfare as it ias always done.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget, Hon. Aderemi Kolajo highlighted the retrogressive effects of the pandemic on local, state, national and global economies which necessitated the review of the citizens oriented Year 2020 budget.

According to him, “Covid-19 has done a lot of damage to the world economy, a lot of powerful economies are reducing their budget, Nigeria’s budget for 2020 has been cut by about 40% and Osun is not an island.

“That is why you have been invited to this meeting to have inputs in the review because you are the owners of the budget, it is based on your particular needs that the budget will be reviewed”.

In a remark, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mrs Adebimpe Ogunlumade urged residents to see public facilities as their own and take good care of them at all times.

Participants at the consultative forum raised critical questions on the way forward, made comments and inputs on the review of the year 2020 budget and was immediately documented.