The Ondo State House of Assembly passed the 2024 appropriation bill on Friday, increasing the total estimates from the proposed N385 billion to N395,257,000,000 — a rise of over N10 billion.

Recall that Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who acted as governor when presenting the bill titled “Budget of Economic Resilience” to the assembly, had laid out a total budget of N384,533,000,000.00 before the state lawmakers a week ago.

Peoples Gazette reports that the bill comprised N222,259,827,500.00 for capital expenditure, with a total of N172,997,172,500.00 allocated for recurrent expenditure.

During the plenary session, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, the lawmaker representing Owo Constituency I, moved the motion for the adoption of the bill.

He expressed his grief over the death of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, describing him as a man who had left an indelible mark on the state through his remarkable achievements.

Mr Ogunmolasuyi explained that the assembly passed an estimate that was over N10,734,000,000 higher than what Mr Aiyedatiwa presented a week ago.

“The committee, after an interface with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for the defence of their respective estimates, amended the original bill and recommended N395 billion,” said Mr Ogunmolasuyi, who is also the chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation.

He urged the state government to take necessary steps to ensure that internally generated revenue is sustained and improved for the budget to meet the needs and yearnings of the people of Ondo.

After the unanimous adoption of the bill, the Speaker of the House, Olamide Oladiji, stated that if signed into law, it would turn around the state’s economy, fostering growth and development.

Mr Oladiji further mentioned that the bill would enhance the state’s dividends of democracy once Mr Aiyedatiwa gives his assent, praying for continued wisdom for the governor in steering development in the state.

He commended the committee members for their promptness and timeliness regarding the bill and extended appreciation to the state Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget for a job well done.

Describing the late governor as a fighter for justice and humanitarian services, Mr Oladiji expressed that the news of the governor’s demise was a devastating shock, emphasizing that he would be remembered for his good legacies, fairness, and equity.

Mr Oladiji noted that the late Mr Akeredolu was a visionary leader, and his legacies in the areas of developmental projects massively impacted the entire state.

“He was able to reduce the bar of poverty in the state through an increase in state revenue to embark on projects that could touch the lives of the masses,” said the Ondo Assembly Speaker.

Mr Oladiji prayed that God would grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort his immediate family and the state.

The Gazette reports that a minute of silence in respect of the late governor was earlier observed during the plenary session at the assembly.