As Ondo State prepares its 2027 appropriation, the government is seeking to ensure that the budget is not shaped only by figures in Akure, but by the everyday needs of communities across the state.

At a stakeholders’ consultative meeting attended by representatives of Akure North, Akure South, Idanre and Ifedore Local Government Areas, residents, traditional rulers, farmers, artisans, youth groups and market leaders were given a platform to present their development priorities.

The engagement, organised by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, is part of efforts to make the 2027 budget more responsive to the realities on the ground.

Rather than allowing spending priorities to be determined solely within government offices, the state is opening the process to those who live with the impact of roads, schools, markets, healthcare and security.

Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Olaoluwa Akindolire, said the consultation would help the government identify genuine community needs and direct resources towards projects with meaningful grassroots impact.

He assured participants that their submissions would be documented and considered during the preparation of the 2027 budget and the state’s medium-term expenditure framework.

Representing the Chairman of Akure South Local Government, the Vice Chairman, Adebayo Ayodele, described the engagement as a direct avenue for residents to contribute to government planning. He urged stakeholders to make practical suggestions that could translate into visible development.

Traditional rulers and other participants commended the state government for its interventions in infrastructure and education. They, however, called for greater attention to the specific needs of their communities, particularly in areas where residents continue to face challenges with access roads, markets, security and basic services.

The inputs gathered from the consultation are expected to guide resource allocation and development priorities in the proposed 2027 budget.