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Ondo’s Budget of Economic Consolidation
By Comrade Allen Sowore, Esq
On the 17th of November, 2025, in the sun-kissed stretches of Ondo State in Southwest Nigeria, the day rose with a gentle brilliance. The rains had taken their final bow, leaving a soft, receding mist—an airy veil laced with faintly fog ushering in the dry season.
In Akure, the ever-busy capital, the major roads pulsed with activity. Contractors—men, machines, and momentum—moved with the determined rhythm of termites constructing a fortress. The landscape was transforming so swiftly, so purposefully, that indigenes returning from afar might soon require a digital compass to rediscover the footpaths of their ancestors.
By evening, a calm, almost sacred serenity settled over the city. Within the State House of Assembly, a special plenary session awaited—the formal presentation of the 2026 Budget. Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, clad in a native safari dress crowned with a milk-coloured hat, stepped into the hallowed Chamber. His entry drew the House into a contemplative silence—the kind that precedes moments of consequence. With measured dignity, the Majority Leader, Honourable Olatunji Oshati moved a motion and seconded by Private Oluwatoyin Allen invited him to the rostrum.
It must be noted that budget presentation is not a ceremonial indulgence but a constitutional imperative—mandated by Section 121 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Governor Aiyedatiwa stands among the few who have complied promptly and faithfully, demonstrating a deep respect for due process and an unwavering devotion to the rule of law.
Equally remarkable was the Governor’s willingness to give a transparent account of his stewardship. His honest, detailed review of the previous budget underscored yet again the true essence of servant leadership.
The 2026 proposal, aptly christened the Budget of Economic Consolidation, is clear, ambitious, and attuned to the state’s development aspirations. It articulates realistic yet transformative targets for growth, progress and prosperity.
At this point, it is only fair to commend the professionalism and diligence of the Commissioners for Finance and for Budget & Economic Planning—Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac and Mr. Olaolu Akindolire—for their adherence to global best practices, particularly the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), in crafting a well-structured, globally compliant fiscal plan.
The Governor’s political will is unmistakable in the budget’s recurrent-to-capital ratio of 42.78% to 57.22%—a bold endorsement of development-driven governance. The total expenditure stands at ₦492,795,667,939, comprising ₦167.5 billion for recurrent commitments and ₦281.991 billion for capital projects.
A closer examination reveals a thoughtful prioritisation of Infrastructure Development, Public Finance, Health, Education and Agricultural Development in that order.
These allocations reinforce the Governor’s consistent assurance that none of the numerous ongoing projects across the state will be abandoned.
After concluding his presentation, the Governor expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Speaker, Rt. Honourable Olamide Oladiji , and all members of the House for their principled cooperation—firm, disciplined, and devoid of compromise.
Later that evening, when I returned home, three words lingered in my thoughts: Budget, Economic, and Consolidation. I turned them over in my mind, weighing them against the political climate, the murmurs of mischief-makers, the chants of restless naysayers, the bravado of political musketeers, and their familiar shenanigans. I reflected on the Governor’s vision—his earnest determination to advance the state—and how this budget stands as the practical blueprint for that aspiration.
I also considered implementation: how, once passed and faithfully executed, this budget carries the quiet authority to silence even the loudest cynics.
Then I translated these reflections into Yoruba— I mean deeper semantic essence:
Budget becomes ìsúná,
Economic becomes òrò ajé,
Consolidation becomes fìdímúlè.
Combined with the Governor’s resolve to overcome early challenges, everything crystallises into one profound expression:
Ètò ìsúná afìdí pòtèmólè.
Allen Sowore, Esq.
Special Adviser to the Governor
on Communication & Strategy
19th November, 2025
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