By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

As the defence of the 2025 budget entered its second day, heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) in Ondo State have expressed optimism that the proposed budget, once passed, will foster significant development across the state.

Appearing before the Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation to provide detailed explanations of their proposed expenditures for the coming year, the MDAs assured that all necessary measures would be implemented to ensure effective service delivery.

Speaking in an interview, the Chairman of OSRC Media Group, Kunle Adebayo, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to delivering high-quality broadcasting to fulfil its mandate.

The Commissioner for Water Resources, Sunday Akinwalere, stated that the proposed budget would enable the ministry to expand access to potable water for residents across the state. He noted that efforts had already commenced with solar-powered tap water in Akure.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, assured that the government would continue to prioritise peace and tranquillity in communities, which he described as essential for development.

The Commissioner for Education, Laolu Akindolire, expressed confidence that the state’s primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions would receive significant upgrades in the coming year. He added that the state would convene a meeting of key stakeholders in the education sector to deliberate on curriculum decisions.

Other officials pledged to work diligently to ensure that the government delivers the dividends of democracy to the people.

Recall that the proposed 2025 budget, presented by the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, stands at over N655 billion, with over N248 billion allocated to recurrent expenditure and over N406 billion to capital expenditure.

The budget defence for other MDAs is set to continue tomorrow with the committee.