‎The Ondo State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, has promised to reflect the needs, priorities and aspirations of the people of the state in the 2027 annual budget and the 2027–2029 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF)

‎Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr Laolu Akindolire, gave the assurance in Akure at the stakeholders’ engagement organized by the ministry as parts of strategy to ensure that the 2027 budget reflects the needs and priorities of the people.

‎The stakehoders’ consultation forum had earlier been held across the three senatorial districts of the state with it concluding part held in Akure, the state capital.

‎The forum provided a platform for the Ondo State Government to gather inputs from different segments of the society so that their needs and priorities could guide the State Budget Office in preparation of the 2027 annual budget.

‎Addressing the forum, Mr Akindolire said government decided to engage stakeholders across all the local government areas to enable it gather genuine information on the needs and priorities of the people to ensure inclusivity in the budget preparation and implementation.

‎The Commissioner assured the stakehoders that all their submissions would be documented and considered during the 2027 budget preparation process to enhance even and rapid social-economic development of the state

‎He expressed satisfaction that the engagement was thorough and successful across the three senatorial districts of the state, assuring that the views, demands and suggestions of stakehoders would be priorities in the preparation and implementation of the 2027 annual budget.

‎The Commissioner maintained that feedbacks and expectations from different stakeholder would guide government priorities, resource allocation and development plan for the 2027 fiscal year and the 2027–2029 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

‎Mr Akindolire therefore thanked all stakehoders that participated in the consultation forum across all the Local Government Areas of the state, assuring them that government would critically consider their suggestions and come out with a people oriented 2027 budget.

‎Stakeholders at forum called for prompt release of fund to ensure timely completion of ongoing road projects in the state, particularly the ongoing flyover at Oba Adesida road, the Oke-Aro/Idanre road and the Oluwatuyi/Ijoka road.

‎They also called on government to provide alternatives routes to motorists plying those roads under construction to ease the burden of residents.

‎Those who spoke on behalf of market women, artisans and farmers, called on government to build more neighborhood markets, provide soft loans, prioritize security to ensure the safety of lives and property of residents and rehabilitate rural access roads to ease mobility of farm produce.

‎The grand finale of the 2027 budget consultation engagement covered Akure south, Akure North, Idanre and ifedore Local Government Areas, with all the chairmen from the four local government areas represented at the forum.