By Elizabeth Oyeniwa
The Ondo State House of Assembly on Thursday held a public hearing on the 2026 Amended Appropriation Bill, assuring stakeholders that their inputs would be considered in the review process.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, gave the assurance in his opening remarks at the hearing.
Hon. Ogunmolasuyi explained that the original 2026 budget was prepared based on the projections available when it was passed in 2025. He said developments within the year, particularly in infrastructure and other ongoing projects, have made it necessary to review the budget to reflect current realities.
He noted that the 26 members of the House represent the people across the 18 local government areas, and assured that the Assembly would scrutinize the amendment to ensure it meets the needs of the state.
He cited education and other sectors as areas requiring adjustments, pointing to the ongoing transition of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic to a university as one development that needs corresponding budgetary provision.
The Chairman urged civil servants and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to be realistic in their submissions, stressing that budgetary provisions must be achievable for improved performance.
“The amended appropriation is not cast in iron,” he said. “It can be adjusted where necessary to promote development and improve the welfare of our people.”
Members of the committee present were Vice Chairman Hon. Kolawole Ologede, House Leader Chief Olatunji Oshati, Prophetess Atinuke Witherspoon, Hon. Tope Agbulu, Hon. Olajide Oguntodu, Hon. Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, Hon. Sulaiman Murtala and *Hon. Fatai Atere.
Concerned commissioners and heads of MDAs also appeared to defend their proposals.
The Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Ayorinde Abiola Olawoye, highlighted ongoing projects including the Akure flyover, Afo-Idoani road, Oke-Aro road, Ajagba road and several others. He expressed optimism that the amended budget would accelerate their completion.
Other commissioners, including Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun (Education), Dr. Banji Ajaka (Health), and Mr. Olaolu Akindolie (Economic Planning and Budget), also supported the amendment, saying it would strengthen programme implementation in their respective sectors.
In his vote of thanks, the Clerk of the House, Mr. Jaiyeola Benjamin, commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his commitment to infrastructure development, noting that the scale of ongoing projects made the budget review necessary to address funding gaps.
He thanked committee members, commissioners, permanent secretaries, directors and other public servants for their participation, describing them as the engine room of government, and prayed for successful consideration of the bill and continued development of the state.
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