11 Oct 2025
...As Oyebanji Salutes Assembly's Dedication
The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, has reaffirmed that the actions of the 7th Assembly under his leadership are anchored on a firm commitment to transparent governance that prioritizes the needs of the people.
Aribasoye stated this in his remarks during the presentation of the 2026 Budget Proposal to the Assembly by Governor Biodun Oyebanji at the Old Assembly Chamber, the same venue used at the inception of democratic governance in the state.
Governor Oyebanji presented a 2026 budget estimate of N415.5 billion, comprising a recurrent expenditure of N221.8 billion and a capital expenditure of N193.7 billion.
According to the Speaker, the Assembly has advanced a robust legislative agenda that underpins the state’s fiscal framework.
“The enacted laws supporting power, asset management, and local content form the policy architecture that enables budget execution to translate into tangible, citizen-centered outcomes,” he stated.
Underlining the strategic role of the budget in governance, Rt. Hon. Aribasoye added:
“Our actions reflect a commitment to governance that is open, lawful, and responsive to the needs of Ekiti people. Budgeting is not merely arithmetic; it is a deliberate allocation of trust to lift lives and unleash opportunity.”
He emphasized the Assembly’s determination to ensure fiscal accountability, guarantee value for money, promote citizens’ participation, and drive economic and infrastructural development.
“Our budget process remains anchored in citizen input — through town halls, consultations, and transparent data shaping priorities that reflect the lived realities of Ekiti communities. This is how we ensure value-for-money and the prudent deployment of public resources,” Aribasoye said.
He noted that Ekiti State continues to sustain a culture of openness in budgeting.
“We embrace modern budgeting tools, publish quarterly budget reports and audited accounts online, and invite citizen participation in setting priorities. As we proceed with the 2026 Appropriation Bill, we reaffirm our pledge that every naira will be accounted for and directed to priority sectors that yield maximum public benefit,” he affirmed.
The Speaker also highlighted the ongoing remodeling of the Assembly Complex, describing it as an affirmation of the state’s commitment to a dignified, technologically enhanced, and effective legislature.
“We also reaffirm the importance of preserving our heritage by maintaining the Old Assembly Chamber as a living memory and public space for all Ekiti people. I am discussing with my colleagues how we can ensure that at least once in every legislative session, we hold a sitting in this historic location — to keep our history alive and remember where we started from,” he added.
Rt. Hon. Aribasoye reiterated the staunch commitment of the 7th Assembly to act in the best interest of the state, calling on stakeholders to unite for the continued progress of Ekiti.
“On behalf of the Seventh Assembly, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to acting in the best interests of Ekiti State. We will conduct our deliberations with diligence, patriotism, and impartiality, ensuring that the 2026 Appropriation Bill reflects the aspirations of farmers, teachers, entrepreneurs, and youths alike,” he declared.
In his presentation, Governor Biodun Oyebanji explained that the proposed 2026 budget seeks to further advance the administration’s Shared Prosperity Agenda, with a strong focus on youth engagement, job creation, investment promotion, and security of lives and property, among others.
The Governor commended the lawmakers for their partnership and support for the Ekiti Project, describing them as formidable hands in the quest for sustainable development.
He also restated his administration’s dedication to fiscal discipline and responsible governance.
Governor Oyebanji recalled that Ekiti State has consistently earned five consecutive topmost rankings from BudgIT in recognition of its transparency in public finance management, noting that the state’s budget process remains rooted in broad based citizen engagement.
Babajide Agbeyo
Special Adviser (Media) to the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly
