By Adekola Afolabi & Chris Chimezie
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Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, yesterday signed 2019 appropriation bill into law. The budget estimate christened “Budget of Advancement” was put at N193.903b

Akeredolu while signing the bill into law assured that his administration would complete all ongoing projects across the state, as the main objective of the 2019 Appropriation Bill.

He gave the assurance during the signing of the 2019 Appropriation Bill into law at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s office in Akure.

His words: “N9.568 billion representing 4.9 percent for statutory transfers to Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC) and the 10 percent share of independent revenue to Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC) of local governments in the state.

“The sums of N83.852 billion and N90.113 billion representing 43.2 percent and 46.5 percent are for Recurrent Expenditure and Capital Development respectively,” he said.

According to Akeredolu, the state government was not unaware of the challenges poised by inadequacy of funds to effective and impactful budget implementation.

“This is not unconnected with our inability to grow our Independent Revenue to a level where we can cover most of our recurrent expenditure from funds generated internally.

“To forestall the above, we have resolved to sustain the use of ICT to help drive independent revenue generation.

“These steps will assist in plugging the loopholes used by unscrupulous elements in the public service to deprive the state of deserved revenue.

“Our administration will continue to take the issue of workers welfare seriously. We will equally not fail to sanction any erring public servant,” he said.

The Ondo State House of Assembly yesterday passed into law, a total of N193, 902, 899bn as 2019 budget.

The budget was, however, increased by N3.7 billion by the Assembly.

It would be recalled that the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, had on December 31, 2018, presented a total of N190.023bn to the Assembly for passage.

The lawmakers unanimously passed the budget into law at the plenary sitting presided over by the Speaker of the House, Mr Bamidele Oleyelogun.

 This followed the adoption and consideration of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation under the chairmanship of Mr Sunday Olajide.

While submitting the report before the House, Olajide said the 2019 appropriation bill which has a total projection of one hundred and ninety-three billion, nine hundred and two million, eight hundred and ninety-nine thousand only of both revenue and expenditure component has been properly scrutinized by the committee.

The passage came exactly one month after governor, Akeredolu, presented the budget tagged: “Budget of Advancement” to the 8th Assembly

The majority leader of the House, Olugbenga Araoyinbo, moved a motion for the passage of the budget and was seconded by Jamiu Maito.

The Speaker of the House, Bamidele Oleyelogun thereafter put it to a voice vote which was unanimously supported by the lawmakers.