Before I proceed with the signing of the 2022 Budget of Growth and Opportunities, let me thank you, the good people of Oyo State, for all the support you have given our administration in the last two years, and for the opportunity you have given us to serve you. It has been a privilege. We pray that you give us the same support as we move on to the remaining part of our current tenure.
Let me take a few minutes to talk about our approach to executing projects in Oyo State. Some people are still confused as to how we are still flagging off projects when some states are finding it difficult to pay salaries. They do not understand how we are raising Oyo State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), building our economy and engineering a modern Oyo State.
The Oyo State Government is entering into a contract with Elektron Energy to finance and develop an 11MW hybrid power solution for the Oyo State Government and some of its facilities within the Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan and environs.
now this: Each time you respond to a distress call, make an arrest and hand suspects over to the police, you play a big role in making Oyo State safer for all of us. You make it possible for investors to have confidence in our state. Ultimately, you do your part to ensure that we grow Oyo State’s economy. You are truly heroes, and today, we celebrate you.
I look forward to a time where people will think of arbitration first before heading to the courts. We already know that our judicial system is overburdened. The innovative use of the ADR process can reduce the stress on our courts. So that, it is primarily criminal cases that they will adjudicate.
I appeal to you, the good people of Oyo State, to remain calm. We are aware of the various speculations going around especially on social media regarding the reason for this attack. I urge you all to disregard any such rumours as the authorities are still investigating the matter.
As we reconstitute this Executive Council, our priority should be how to synergise efforts for continued growth. I would like to see more inter-ministerial collaborations and an integrated approach to governance.
Last year, we presented to you our Budget of Continued Consolidation. I had a chance to present to you a report of our accomplishments over the previous budgetary cycle and our plans for 2021. Mr Speaker Sir, Honourable Members of the House, it gives me great pleasure to be with you again this year for the presentation of the 2022 Fiscal Budget which we have tagged a Budget of Growth and Opportunities.
We all know the reputation that civil servants have in the country. Some people even say that all lazy people come to the civil/public service because they don’t have to do any work. But here in Oyo State, we are changing that narrative.
Some people have asked why we need an International Airport so close to Lagos. I have spoken a number of times of how flights are often diverted to Ghana to refuel. We want them to redirect to Ibadan. This airport upgrade project is another way of turning our proximity into economic benefits.
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