Date: 2010-02-17

The Kwara State Governor, Dr Bukola Saraki has signed into law a total budget size of   N69.4 billion for the 2010 fiscal year. The budget size represents an increase of N 1.6 billion as against the initial budget size of   N67.8 billion originally presented by the Governor to the State House of Assembly in December last year. 

Speaking at the signing ceremony at Government House, Ilorin , Dr Saraki said the slight upward review of the budget made it imperative for government to intensify its efforts on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), with a view to meeting pressing challenges on the execution of viable capital projects for the upliftment of the living condition of the people.  

He explained that with the signing into law of the budget, the State Government now has the legal backing to commence project implementation in the State. According to him, projects to commence immediate implementation with the signing of the budget into law include rehabilitation of 600kms. of rural roads across the State, phase II of the rural electrification project, rehabilitation of all existing General Hospitals, issue of security as well as renovation and expansion of the State Stadium Complex, among others.  

Dr Saraki, however, appealed to the law abiding citizens of the State and all corporate organizations operating in the State to pay their taxes promptly as at when due, noting that it was only through this that more dividends of democracy could be provided for the people.  

While congratulating the House for diligently going through the appropriation bill and thanking them for their cooperation, he assured that the budget would be strictly implemented to the letter for the advancement of democracy in the State.  

Earlier in his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Alhaji Babatunde Mohammed praised the Governor for turning around the State through the laudable projects of his administration.  

The Speaker explained that the slight increase in the approved budget was in the overall interest of the people of the State. Alhaji Mohammed, who admonished the State Government to judiciously implement the 2010 budget in order to consolidate the existing achievements of the present administration, also congratulated the legislators for being part of the success story.  

Mas’ud Adebimpe
Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor

17/02/10