By Gbenga Ojikutu
A call has gone to the Council Chairmen and other Local Government stakeholders to strive for a framework that is responsive and transformative to propel meaningful development and uplift Communities at the grassroots.
The Ekiti State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon Folorunso Olabode made the call while declaring open a one day workshop on the preparation of 2025 – 2027 Local Government Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) in collaboration with Ministry of Budget, Economic planning and Performance Management in Ado Ekiti.
Hon Olabode emphasized that MTEF provides framework that alligns budgeting processes with developmental objectives, meeting the immediate needs of Communities and ensuring their sustainable development.
He commended the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji who has always prioritize development at the grassroots and for consistently emphasizing not interfering in the finances of the local governments and remained committed to the promise of allowing fiscal independence as it relates to resource allocation in the local government.
The Commissioner who explained that there was need for a thorough and sound fiscal planning highlighted the objectives of the workshop to include enhanced resource allocation , transparency and accountability, Stakeholders engagement and capacity building.
He enjoined the participants to keep in mind the shared prosperity to meet the aspirations of the people .
In their remarks the Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Alhaja Mariam Ogunlade, the Commissioner for Budget, Hon Oyeniyi Adebayo, Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi charged everyone to share their knowledge, key into the 30 years developmental plan, carefully learn principles of planning and how to measure it, pledging their unalloyed commitments to good governance.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary,Mr.Babatunde Olaoye who lauded Governor Oyebanji for approving the fund for the workshop explained the vital role MTEF plays in shaping the fiscal landscape of governance especially at the local government.
Mr. Olaoye said the framework guides in budgetary allocation and empowers to make informed decisions that allign with development priorities as the workshop would focuses on equipping with necessary skills and knowledge to prepare robust budget proposal.
In her response, one of the participants, the Chairman of Oye local government ,Mrs Adesola Bamisile lauded the State government for organizing the forum as participants have learnt a lot at the one day programme.
She promised on behalf of the Council Chairmen to put into practice what have been learnt and abide by the budget analysis for proper implementation and execution to guide against financial recklessness.
