Irepodun/Ifelodun Chairman Presents N10.93bn 2025 Budget of Consolidation and Inclusion.

Irepodun/Ifelodun Chairman Presents N10.93bn 2025 Budget of Consolidation and Inclusion.

The Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, Hon. Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga, on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, presented the 2025 budget tagged “Budget of Consolidation and Inclusion” to the Legislative House.

The budget, which amounts to N10.93 billion, covers Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area and its two Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), Araromi and Ifedara. Hon. Oluwagbenga, addressing members of the House, dignitaries, and guests, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of the local government.

In his address, he said:

“I feel highly privileged and honoured to stand before this Honourable House to present the year 2025 budget for Irepodun/Ifelodun, Araromi LCDA, and Ifedara LCDA, titled Budget of Consolidation and Inclusion.”

Explaining the rationale for the title, he said:

“We have christened next year’s budget as such because it has been designed to let the people have greater confidence and hope in government by providing prompt interventions to solve community problems, especially in the areas of capital projects. This is in line with the six-point agenda of His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, which includes job creation, human capital development, agriculture and rural industrialization, governance, and arts, culture, and tourism.”

Hon. Oluwagbenga detailed the budget components as follows:

1. Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government:

Recurrent Expenditure: N6.4 billion

Capital Expenditure: N1.065 billion

2. Araromi LCDA:

Recurrent Expenditure: N220 million

Capital Expenditure: N1.45 billion

3. Ifedara LCDA:

Recurrent Expenditure: N240 million

Capital Expenditure: N1.555 billion

Overall Total: N10.93 billion

In Words: Ten Billion, Nine Hundred and Thirty Million Naira.

The chairman identified the major revenue sources to finance the budget as:

1. Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)

2. Statutory Allocation (10% from State IGR)

3. Statutory Allocation from the Federal Government

He further broke down the expected revenue:

Irepodun/Ifelodun LG: N8.05 billion

Ifedara LCDA: N1.795 billion

Araromi LCDA: N1.067 billion

Hon. Oluwagbenga expressed concern over the declining Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the council area and emphasized the need for a more aggressive revenue policy. He said:

“I want to note with a lot of concern the declining internally generated revenue in the local government LCDA. It is our humble desire to pursue an aggressive policy designed to increase revenue generation because the financial viability of any local government depends, to a large extent, on the scope and volume of its IGR. To achieve this goal, efforts will be geared toward improving internally generated revenue.”

The chairman urged members of the House to carefully examine the budget for proper vetting.

“The Honourable Leader and Members of the House should please carefully examine this 2025 budget because it is higher than the 2024 approved budget. This increase is a result of our desire to serve our people diligently, effectively, and efficiently,” he stated.

Appreciating the support of the people, he appealed to Kabiyesis, chiefs, Iyalojas, and other community leaders to cooperate with the administration in improving IGR.

“I also want to appeal passionately to the Kabiyesis, chiefs, community leaders, Iyalojas, and Iyalajes to cooperate with our administration, especially in the areas of internally generated revenue and respect for the rule of law.

“Your advice from time to time is equally welcome because the voice of elders is the voice of wisdom. Your cooperation since our assumption of office is unwavering, and I am confident that none of us will misuse the opportunity given to serve you,” he added.

In response to the presentation of the 2025 Budget of Consolidation and Inclusion,  the Leader of the Legislative House, Hon. Mrs. Olagunju Yemisi, commended Hon. Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga for his visionary leadership and the inclusive governance approach. She praised its focus on job creation, infrastructure, and human capital development, aligning with Governor Oyebanji’s six-point agenda. Hon. Olagunju assured the chairman of the House's cooperation in ensuring swift approval and implementation to benefit all communities.

In attendance were the Executive Chairmen of the three councils:

1. Hon. Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga – Executive Chairman, Irepodun/Ifelodun LG

2. Hon. Chief Wale Alade – Executive Chairman, Araromi LCDA

3. Hon. Lawrence Ogunsanya – Executive Chairman, Ifedara LCDA

The report was compiled by Asubiojo G.O, of the Information and Civic Orientation Department, Irepodun/Ifelodun LG.