– Prince Feyisayo Ijifusi
The Governor of Ondo State in the most recent budget ( N395bn) signing is quoted to have affirmed his focus on human capital development with emphasis on climate change; sustainable environment; rural development, food security and completion of ongoing capital projects. The budget which consists of 56.23% on Capital Expenditures and 43.77% for recurrents shows fundamental improvement on Capital Estimates in contrast to the previous 2023 budget of N146.1billion for capitals and N130billion on recurrents.
The Seventy Six billion Naira increase in capital expenditures is a clear reflection of the Governor’s resolve to deploy more funds into projects that are to enhance livelihood in Ondo State.
But in the light of the present economic realities, it is sin qua non for the Government of Ondo State to justify the increase by ensuring a that there is a more concerted drive towards budget performance and most importantly, uping the ante for a renewed focus on efficient monitoring and implementation of projects across the state…
The case for a more robust outing in project monitoring and implementation is pivoted on the premise that the year 2024 is a defining year for the sunshine state as it marks the abrupt end of the Akeredolu Administration and also signals the emergence of an Aiyedatiwa government. Therefore the present government must settle down and brace up to performance above expectations. The government must not be subjected to avoidable distractions from politicking but focusing on delivery dividends of democracy to the good people of Ondo State.
It must be agreed that Mr Governor’s purported emphasis on ” Climate Change, environmental sustainability, rural development and food security ” is essentially at the core of global focus on the fulfilment of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), and therefore all hands must be on deck.
The mandate of the Performance and Project Monitoring Implementation Unit is therefore at stake in the drive towards ensuring that Mr Governor makes good his oath to the people of the sunshine state.
Efficient Monitoring and implementation of projects is time-bound and hinged upon significant utilization of funds earmarked for projects which can be measured in terms of performance – succinctly for the critical essence of completion of projects within stipulated timeframe and cost management.
The next budget must consolidate on the mileage achieved through a watertight execution of projects. The vision and direction of the Aiyedatiwa administration will be adjudged by what is seen on ground and not by what is said.
The Year 2024 will determine what side of history the Aiyedatiwa administration will elect to stand for the times are unusual!
– Prince Feyisayo Ijifusi is a Project and Property consultant, and CEO of Projectforce Homes and Construction Limited.
ijifusifeyisayo@gmail.com
