The governor of Osun state, Rauf Aregbesola has presented the 2013 draft budget of N183,105,807,460 to the people of the state.
The governor had earlier on in December 2012, laid before the State House of Assembly the 2013 proposed budget estimates.
A breakdown of the 2013 budget draft shows that N64.3 billion representing 34.97 percent of the total sum is for recurrent expenditure while N119.75 billion, representing 65.3 percent percent was earmarked for capital expenditure.
The budget was Tagged ‘Budget of Freedom’, The transport sector had the highest sectorial allocation of N30.2 billion representing 25.3-8 percent, while N16.3 billion representing 13.6 percent of the total budget went to education. N8.1 billion representing 6.82 percent goes to the agriculture sector.
Mr Aregbesola who acknowledged the inputs of various stakeholders across the state to enhance the quality of the budget said the ultimate goal of the 2013 budget is to ensure a great improvement in the welfare and standard of living of the people.
According to him the transport sector gets the largest allocation because road construction and maintenance has to be vigorously pursued due to the pivotal role of good road network in the attainment of socio-economic and political goals.
He assured of objective and faithful implementation of the budget, urging members of the State House of Assembly to give speedy consideration to its passage for implementation to commence as early as possible.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam appreciated the relationship which exists between the legislature and the executive arm of government.
He noted that inspite of the tight financial situation position of government due to dwindling revenue from the federation account; government has been able to execute projects and programmes that were very beneficial to the people in 2012.
The 2013 budget of N183,105,807,460 as against the 2012 budget of N150, 124, 621, 880 represents a 21 percent increase.
