Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday used the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to rally political stakeholders, traditional rulers, and citizens behind what he described as the state’s next phase of economic growth.
Presenting the N891,984,074,490.79 budget before the House of Assembly, Governor Makinde said the proposal—christened the “Budget of Economic Expansion”—was crafted to transform the state’s current stability into fresh opportunities by strengthening infrastructure, human capital and innovation.
A deeper look at the figures shows a strong emphasis on capital investment. Makinde disclosed that about N502 billion has been earmarked for capital projects, while recurrent expenditure stands at N389 billion—maintaining a 60:40 ratio in favour of capital spending. He noted that the blueprint rests on four strategic pillars: Infrastructure, Education, Health and Agriculture.
The governor commended lawmakers for their consistent cooperation, especially in fast-tracking previous budgets, which he said had fueled the “massive infrastructural development” recorded across Oyo State. He also expressed gratitude to residents for their “resilience, commitment and unwavering support,” despite recent political defections and internal party issues.
The presentation drew a notable audience of top political figures, senior government officials and respected traditional rulers. Among those present were Deputy Governor Barr. Bayo Lawal; National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Amb. Taofeek Oladejo Arapaja; former Deputy Governors Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi and Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima; Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; and Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo.
Prominent royal fathers also witnessed the event, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Ladoja (Arusa I), alongside members of the Olubadan-in-Council; the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Owoade I; the Soun of Ogbomoso, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Olaoye (Orumogege I); the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola; the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao; and the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola, among others.
