Ogun Assembly Urges Transparency as 2025 Budget Defence Kicks Off

The Ogun State House of Assembly (OGHA) has emphasized the need for thorough evaluation, accountability, and value creation during the defence of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

The Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Musefiu Lamidi, made this known today at the commencement of the budget defence exercise held at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

In his opening remarks, Lamidi described the exercise as a significant governance process that goes beyond presenting figures, stressing the need for impactful programs and projects that improve the lives of Ogun State residents.

“We are here to ensure that the resources allocated translate into meaningful, measurable, and sustainable benefits for our citizens. I encourage the Ministry’s representatives to provide clear, detailed, and factual insights into their proposed budget, highlight the progress made in the past year, and articulate plans for the year ahead,” Lamidi stated.

He reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to promoting initiatives that align with the collective goal of enhancing the quality of life for the people of Ogun State. Lamidi also assured that the budget defence exercise would be conducted fairly and professionally, in line with principles of good governance.

“Today, we begin this exercise with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, a key institution in advancing the welfare, empowerment, and protection of the vulnerable segments of our population. This ministry plays a critical role in fostering inclusive growth and ensuring that no one is left behind in our shared vision for Ogun State,” he added.

The Committee Chairman further underscored the importance of commissioners and heads of MDAs being physically present during their respective budget defences. According to him, their presence ensures alignment with the vision and mission of the appropriation bill.

Taking the floor to defend the 2025 budget for the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Commissioner, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, revealed that a total of N1.5 billion had been proposed for the ministry. She broke down the allocation as N1.050 billion for recurrent expenditure and N468.4 million for capital expenditure.

Adeleye assured the Assembly that the ministry would continue its commitment to sustainable development through gender-responsive investments.

“We will continue to invest in women, men, young, and old in a gender-responsive manner through participatory approaches to ensure sustainable development,” she said.