Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has directed all local government chairmen in the state to ensure that their 2026 budgets reflect the priorities and voices of the people.
The governor issued the directive on Friday during town hall meetings held in Otun Ekiti (Moba Local Government Area) and Ijero Ekiti (Ijero Council), which brought together stakeholders from the Ekiti North and Ekiti Central senatorial districts.
Oyebanji explained that just as his administration engages citizens in state-level budget planning, local governments and local council development areas (LCDAs) must also consult widely before drafting their budgets. He stressed that no local government budget should be prepared without inputs from traditional rulers, community leaders, political leaders, and various interest groups. Reports of such consultations, he added, must be submitted.
At the meeting, representatives from 10 local governments highlighted pressing needs such as roads, electricity, potable water, hospitals, schools, ambulances, palaces, security, and empowerment initiatives.
Governor Oyebanji promised that a significant portion of the 2026 budget would be devoted to credit facilities for artisans and informal workers, in a bid to strengthen the grassroots economy. However, he recalled challenges with past micro-credit loans, noting that the state government had to repay over ₦2 billion in defaults after many beneficiaries failed to honor repayment agreements.
Highlighting successes in agriculture, Oyebanji said young farmers in one cluster earned more than ₦1 million within three months, proof that investments in the sector were paying off. He added that the clearing of more farmlands had not only boosted production but also contributed to reducing cases of kidnapping and other crimes.
The governor pointed out that previous citizen budget engagements had already produced tangible results, with several community requests implemented across the state. He reassured the people that they have a listening governor who will always carry them along, and hinted that his record of performance would speak for him when he seeks re-election.
Report by: Isaac Blessing | Edited by: Chris Odjomah