By Fatima Muraina
The Ondo State Government has reiterated its commitment to participatory and people-centred budgeting as part of its broader efforts to enhance inclusive governance and ensure that development priorities reflect the needs of citizens.
This assurance was given during the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and 2026 Budget Consultative Forum, which was held in Ikare-Akoko, the headquarters of Akoko North East Local Government Area.
The forum brought together stakeholders from the four local government areas within the Akoko region.
In a statement released by the Ministry’s Media Manager, Afolabi Kudirat Abimbola, Ondo State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Laolu Akindolire, emphasised that the forum was a critical part of the state’s participatory budgeting process.
Akindolire, who was represented by the Administrative Secretary of the Budget Office, Mr. Stephen Aworere, said,
“This consultative forum is a cornerstone of our participatory budgeting process. It reflects our administration’s commitment to listening to the people and translating their needs into actionable policies.”
He assured participants that their inputs would be carefully considered and incorporated into the final budget document.
He further disclosed that the 2026 budget proposal would be submitted to the Ondo State House of Assembly by the end of October.
In his remarks, the Olubaka of Oka, Oba Dr. Yusuf Adebori Adeleye (OON), who was represented by High Chief Aiyemowa Jimoh, stated that by opening the budget planning process to public input, the government had demonstrated its dedication to transparency and accountability.
Participants at the forum, including traditional rulers, student union leaders, NGOs, community-based organisations, civil society groups, women’s organisations, and the media, commended the government’s efforts in promoting transparency and accountability.
The consultative forum is part of a state-wide engagement process aimed at aligning government spending with the developmental aspirations of communities across Ondo State.