ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE GOVERNOR OF OGUN STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR IBIKUNLE AMOSUN FCA, AT THE PRESENTATION OF THE 2013
On Tuesday, 29th November, 2011, I had the honour to present the 2012 Appropriation Bill to the good people of Ogun State in these hallowed chambers. You will agree with me that the 2012 Budget was significant in that it was the first Appropriation Bill to be fully conceived and implemented by our Administration. On that occasion, Mr Speaker and the entire Honourable Members of this House promised a timely consideration and passage of the Bill. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, let me, on behalf of the good people of Ogun State, thank the House of Assembly for the fulfilment of that promise. The bill was expeditiously passed and signed into Law on 30th December 2011.
2. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, you will recall that the 2012 Budget was premised on our determination to rebuild Ogun State through the implementation of our Five Cardinal Programmes, articulated in our “Mission to Rebuild”. You will agree with me that we have remained sincere and unwavering in the implementation of this Programme for sustainable growth across the entire State in a systematic manner.
3. We have demonstrated that development of society should be centred around the people. The needs of our people have informed the policies, programmes and projects initiated by our Administration. And it is for this reason that we conceptualised the “Ogun Standard” to exemplify the best in our people. We are ambitious, determined, aggressive and forward looking in our developmental programmes and projects. We are focussed on preparing our people and our State for the future. We see Ogun State as one State that will play a pivotal role in the future development of Nigeria and Africa. All these lofty dreams have informed our rigorous and painstaking budgeting process.
4. It gives me great pleasure today to present our progress report on what we have collectively achieved thus far. Though this presentation is a statutory one, for us as an Administration, it marks a significant threshold to yet another phase of our democratic process. I actually see this budget presentation exercise as an opportunity to review the journey so far, chart the way forward and set a benchmark for performance. Let me say to all of us gathered here today that we are set on an irreversible journey to take our State to greater heights.
REVIEW OF 2012 BUDGET
5. The 2012 Appropriation Law put the total size of the Budget at N200.55 billion. Going by the review of the 2012 Budget for the First Half of the Year, we found it imperative to re-align the 2012 Appropriation Law to accommodate payment of Arrears of Civilian Pensions/ Gratuities and provision for some recurrent expenditure. The 2012 Budget comprised the sum of N91.20 billion as Recurrent Provision, representing 45% and N109.34billion for Capital Expenditure, representing 55% of the total Budget. The realignment, however, did not change the Budget size nor the ratio between recurrent and capital expenditure.
Revenue Performance
6. Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from January to date stands at N21.08billion, averaging close to N2billion monthly. This was lower than expected due to a combination of factors. After the passage of the 2012 Budget, the Federal Government increased the personal allowances available to tax payers. This adversely affected our IGR for the year. For instance, our IGR dropped from the N2.3billion achieved in April 2012 to just over N1billion in June 2012. The amendment of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) resulted in a significant reduction in our monthly income.
7. The Bureau of Lands and Survey which normally accounts for a sizeable part of our IGR fell short of its revenue targets as the reforms in that sector, took longer than planned. It will be recalled that a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into land allocation and acquisition covering the years 2003 to 2011 was inaugurated and for the greater part of the year limited transactions in lands were undertaken. It is envisaged that with the implementation of the recommendations arising from the White Paper as well as the completion of our Land Information System and Geographical Information System project, our IGR will receive a major boost.
8. Similarly, revenue totalling N70.80billion expected from the Federation Account was not fully realised. The actual receipts from Abuja from January 2012 to date amounts to N45.79billion.
9. The challenge of improving our IGR to meet our expenditure is an ongoing one and all efforts are focussed on looking inwards and aggressively collecting all revenues due to the state and seeking new sources so that ultimately, less reliance will be placed on funds from Abuja (Federation Account) and other external sources.
10. Let me use this opportunity to appeal to our people to discharge, faithfully, their civic responsibilities by paying their taxes promptly and in full. The developmental objectives and goals of the Government will always remain a dream, if there are no requisite financial resources to implement them. Taxes not only serve as means of raising revenue for the Government, they also provide the legal and moral right for the citizens to demand performance from those they have elected to govern them. The reality is that there can be no “representation without taxation”. Indeed, there can be no dividends of democracy without civic and social obligations. This actually exemplifies what Political Science Scholars term as the ‘social contract’ between the people and their government, thereby making us “Partners in Progress”.
Expenditure
11. During the year under review, from January 2012 to date, a total sum of N102.65billion was expended by our Administration with Capital Expenditure of N37.53billion and Recurrent of N65.12billion.
Analysis of the 2012 Budget Performance
Details
Actual Performance
2012
N(billion)
%
of
Total
Salaries and Allowances
39.52
38.50
Consolidated Revenue Fund Charge (Pensions and Gratuities)
6.54
6.37
Total Personnel Cost
46.06
44.87
Overhead
19.06
18.57
Total Recurrent
65.12
63.44
Capital Expenditure
37.53
35.56
Total Expenditure
102.65
100.00
The Overall Budget performance is 51.18%.
12. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members and the good people of Ogun State, let me draw your attention to the huge human capital cost of running the Public Service which is the largest single item in our expenditure profile. Concerted efforts to examine these costs are ongoing with our Continous Personnel Audit Process.
13. I am happy to report that in spite of the harsh economic environment in which we are operating and the huge debt burden that we inherited we have achieved major progress in the targets we set for ourselves in 2012 and we still have about 6 weeks left in the year. At this juncture, Mr. Speaker, permit me to present an overview of key initiatives delivered in 2012.
Affordable Qualitative Education
14. Our Administration is committed to restoring the pre-eminent status of Education in the State as the cornerstone of socio-economic advancement for which our State is noted. We have carried out massive rehabilitation of existing structures and construction of Model schools in the three Senatorial Districts. The highlights of our achievements in this sector are as follows:
i. Commencement of construction of 15 Model schools. The plan is to have 28 across the 20 Local Government Areas of the State;
ii. Distribution of Textbooks, Exercise Books and Instructional Materials for the 2012/2013 Session to all Public Primary and Secondary School Students;
iii. Introduction of Unified examination for all public secondary schools;
iv. Full payment of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for students in public secondary schools including the arrears owed before our administration;
v. Training of 17,132 Primary School Teachers by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and another set of 5,000 Primary School Teachers in collaboration with the National Teachers Institute, Kaduna;
vi. Construction of 24 Early Childhood Care and Development Education (ECCDE) classrooms and another 40 classrooms with 20 Offices in Primary Schools and 180 classrooms in Junior Secondary Schools;
vii. Rehabilitation of 802 dilapidated classrooms in Primary and 432 Classrooms in Junior Secondary Schools as well the provision of furniture for Pupils and Teachers.
viii. Disbursement of over N7.2billion to our nine tertiary institutions and implementation of cashless revenue collection systems. We also expended in excess of N100 Million to ensure that OOUTH retained its accreditation as a Medical School.
Efficient Health Care Delivery
15. Efficient and affordable healthcare delivery is an important component of our mission to rebuild Ogun State. Some of the achievements recorded in the sector are as follows:
i. Commencement of the construction of nine modern hospitals in each of the Federal Constituencies. We have concluded arrangements for importation of essential hospital equipment;
ii. We have just concluded the recruitment process for over 700 staff of all cadres for our general hospitals – this will improve morale among staff and reduce long waits for patients.
iii. We re-launched the Ogun State Ambulance Services with the creation of the first ever professionally trained paramedic crews in the state. We purchased five new ambulances, brought six more into service and, for road crash prevention, have established the Ogun State Road Safety Coalition. These measures have had an immediate impact in the saving of lives on our roads.
iv. We have launched the ‘Gbomoro’ Programme. This is a conditional cash transfer scheme that gives pregnant mothers money for transport to clinics and to improve their nutrition. In addition, telephones are provided to enable contact with midwives for advice and emergency care;
v. We have delivered over 2 million doses of Oral Polio Vaccine to children aged 0-59 months. Anti-malarial treatment is given free to all pregnant women and under-5 children in all public health facilities alongside routine distribution of Long Lasting Insecticide treated nets for pregnant women.
vi. HIV/AIDS remains an ever present danger. To ensure we take more ownership of the response to the epidemic. We have signed into law, a bill transforming the State Action Committee on AIDS into an Agency.
vii. Our administration is reaching out to the private sector to partner in healthcare projects. We are working with Shell to revitalize primary healthcare services in four local governments and we partnered with Rotary International and Indo Eye Foundation to screen thousands of eye patients and provide free surgery to restore the sight of over five hundred patients. Chevron is partnering with the state to assist TB diagnosis and treatment services.
Agricultural Production / Industrialization
Agriculture
16. Our vision in Agriculture is to harness the untapped potential of our dear State as the food basket of the nation. In this regard, we sought to exploit the value chain in Agriculture leading to industrialization and economic growth. Creating the necessary environment not only to attract investment to the State, but for such investments to flourish required us to address the major cost component in agricultural projects, namely land clearance and preparation. We have invested in land clearing and preparation equipment - 4 CAT bulldozers, 30 Tractors with implements including 33 Ploughs, 5 harrows, 2 Planters and 2 Slashers, all aimed at providing equipment support to our Farmers. Other initiatives include:
i. Production of 50,000 pullets sold at subsidised rates to farmers.
ii. Disbursement of over N100 million in agricultural loans to farmers;
iii. Resuscitation of 2.5 tonnes/hr capacity poultry feed mill at Kotopo
iv. Resuscitation of 3 Government owned fish farms at Ilaro, Odeda and Ikenne with a production capacity of 500,000 fingerlings and 29 tonnes table fish per annum;
v. Government raised and distributed 1 million cocoa seedlings at heavily subsidized rates to our Cocoa farmers. We also distributed free maize and rice seedlings as well as cassava cuttings to all registered farmers in the State. In addition Government subsidized supply of fertilizers by 50% during the year under review.
Commerce and Industry
17. We have continued with the N1billion Industrial Development Fund set up jointly with the Bank of Industry. To date 117 Beneficiaries in different vocations have been empowered with loans totalling N130 million.
18. The provision of an enabling environment has facilitated the actualisation of various private sector-led investment initiatives. Within the last one year, our industrialisation policy has received a tremendous boost with the commissioning of major industrial projects in the State.
The Preferred Investors’ Destination
19. In a bold step to actualise our industrialisation plan, we organised a two-day Investors’ Forum here in Abeokuta in March 2012. Tagged “Ogun State: Open for Business”, it was aimed at creating awareness for genuine investors about the available business opportunities and showcasing the investment potentials of Ogun State to the outside world. The Forum brought together captains of industry as well as foreign and local investors. Following this successful outing, more than 60 genuine investors have expressed interest in investing in Ogun State. Their interests span manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, provision of world class shopping malls, steel, cement amongst others.
Affordable Housing & Urban Renewal
Housing
20. The overall objective of Government is the systematic and orderly provision of infrastructure and housing for the people through effective utilization and management of human and material resources. The following were achieved in 2012:
i. Completion of housing units in Government Estates around the State notably the Media Village and Sagamu Housing Estate;
ii. Construction of an ultra modern auto mobile workshop at Obada Oko Mechanic Village;
iii. Rehabilitation of the June 12 Cultural Centre;
iv. Commencement of the design as well as site and services of 6 housing estates within the 3 Senatorial Districts.
Environment
21. Our activities aimed at improving the environment were focused on 5 key areas: Refuse collection, Flood and erosion control, Beautification, Solid waste management and Emergency management. Achievements include:
i. Purchase of ten Refuse Compactors in addition to the existing heavy duty equipment;
ii. Increased enforcement has restored active participation of people in environmental sanitation particularly on the designated days;
iii. Engagement of over 3000 street sweepers;
iv. Massive channelization and clearing of drainages and waterways in Ijebu-ode, Ota, Abeokuta, Sagamu, Ago-Iwoye etc;
v. Major beautification projects at roundabouts, major streets and public spaces; Specific intervention at the Ota Roundabout has dramatically improved the area;
vi. Provision of relief materials to victims of natural disasters such as rainstorm, flooding etc.
Rural & Infrastructural Development / Employment Generation
22. This is another important aspect of our five cardinal programmes and it is very dear to the heart of this Administration. This is because no economy can truly develop if its infrastructural base is weak.
Roads
23. In the last one year, a well orchestrated plan was initiated to revive our roads. Emphasis was laid on the provision of a good road network as a catalyst for socio-economic development of the State. This involves the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing roads as well as construction of new ones with the aim of decongesting the existing network that was generally in poor condition. The following interventions have been made:
i. Construction of the first ever six-lane carriage way in the State with associated road furniture and with full complement of street lights, traffic lights, CCTV, walk way, green area and bus stops. The road also features the first overhead pedestrian bridge in the state. It was a bold statement on the “Ogun Standard” set by this Administration to ensure project quality;
ii. Construction of the Grade Separation Fly-over (Overhead Bridge) at Ibara roundabout, another first.
12 additional mega-road projects across the three Senatorial Districts at an overall cost of N130billion, some of which include:
a. Ijebu-ode – Mobalufon junction – Folagbade – Ibadan Road junction
b. Sagamu – Benin Expressway junction to Oba Erinwole
c. OGTV - Brewery Road
d. Ilisan – Ago Iwoye Road
e. Ilo Awela Road
f. Lafenwa - Ayetoro – Olodo Road
g. Ilara – Ijoun – Oja Odan – Ilase Road
h. Ojere - Asero Road
i. Moshood Abiola Way
j. Sango – Ojodu – Akute – Isheri Road
Rural Development
24. Our ambition is to make rural areas in the State as attractive as the urban areas. In an attempt to stem the constant rural-urban drift that exists not only in Ogun State but in the larger national context, we have created a full fledged Ministry of Rural Development. The Ministry will focus on such infrastructure as roads, water and electrification in our rural areas. With the spread of educational and health facilities and the planned investment in Agriculture, our rural areas will witness a rapid transformation. The provision of necessary social and physical infrastructure will solidly establish our rural areas as preferred locations for week-end retreats and country homes.
25. Accordingly the following projects were executed during the period under review:
i. Procurement and distribution of 500 transformers to various communities;
ii. Construction of boreholes in some rural areas to ensure the availability of potable water and avert water borne diseases.
Mass Transit Programme
26. A giant leap was taken in the area of coordinated transportation system for the first time in the history of Ogun State. We launched the Mass Transit Programme - Bus Mass Transit (BMT) - with seventy-seven (77) buses comprising of Twenty-Seven Luxury Ashok Leyland buses with 43-passenger capacity as well as 30 eighteen-seater Toyota and 20 Nissan buses.
Security
27. The security and well being of the people of Ogun State is of paramount concern to this Administration. This commitment was fully tested by the incessant incursion of armed robbers into the State and their onslaught particularly on banks. The situation virtually assumed siege dimensions, especially in Ogun East. Our Administration rose up to the challenge and purchased and distributed essential gadgets for the Nigerian Police, Ogun State Command and other security agencies involved in the battle against the men of the underworld. The equipment distributed includes:
i. One Hundred and Eighty (180) operational vehicles;
ii. 13 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC);
28. Communication gadgets and other security equipment including AK47 rifles, bullet proof vests and ballistic helmets.
29. The Security Trust Fund became operational during the year. This Fund has attracted donations from the Private Sector, public spirited individuals and traditional rulers. However all the donations to the Fund remain unspent, pending the necessary procurement instructions from the Trustees.
30. We have also established two (2) Special Security Squads known as the “Quick Response Squad (QRS)” and the Joint Military Patrol known as “Operation MESA” to curb the rate of criminality in the State.
31. All these measures, although at huge financial cost, have brought about tremendous reduction in the crime rate in our dear State, resulting in relative peace and security.
Information
32. Every government has a responsibility to ensure that the people are informed of its programmes and activities. Where this is not done, rumour mongers and information hawkers take over and mislead the populace. In order to address this, we took the following steps:
i. Approval of the contract for the total overhaul of all the existing equipment at Ogun State Television (OGTV) and Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC) in readiness for the NCC directive to migrate from analog to digital;
ii. Purchase of new equipment including tele-prompters, cameras, 2 Fly Away kits for OGTV to enhance live coverage of events;
iii. Purchase of 1new 500 KVA Perkins Generator and 1 new 3 KVA transformer for the use of OGTV and OGBC at their Ajebo Road Complex.
Youth and Sports
33. Youth and Sports take a prime position in our developmental programme. Our achievements in this area include:
i. Refurbishment of Ogun State Athletes Camps at Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode; Alake Sports Center, Ijeja;
ii. 285 Athletes that have medal-winning potential were given permanent employment while another 250 Athletes and Coaches were given contract appointments. These and many other incentives have put the Athletes in very high spirits to perform well at forthcoming competitions;
iii. We successfully hosted the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) Games, the first ever to be hosted by any State. We also hosted the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifying Football Matches between Nigeria and Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo and the FIFA Under-17 Women World Cup Qualifying Matches (Nigeria vs. Kenya and Nigeria vs. Zambia).
Pension and Gratuities
34. We have paid over N3billion out of the pensions and gratuity arrears that we inherited. In the same vein, we also give regular grants to the Bureau of Local Government Pension to facilitate the regular payment of Pensions and Gratuities to retired Local Government workers and Primary School Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff.
Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission
35. The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission was fully funded and equipped with necessary machinery which was very crucial for the success of the 2012 Local Government Elections in all the 20 Local Government Council Areas in the State. Local Government elections were conducted for the first time in the State without rancour or acrimony. We are proud to be one of the few states who have successfully conducted Local Government Elections.
Public Expenditure Management and Financial Accountability Review (PEMFAR)
36. For us as an Administration, transparency and accountability remain critical building blocks in our quest for good governance and our efforts to rebuild our dear State. This assertion underpins the importance of a well-functioning public financial management as well as procurement system. Therefore, with the assistance of World Bank Consultants, the representatives of key stakeholders, including the Organised Private Sector, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Public Service, we have undertaken an unbiased and fair self-assessment of our entire public financial management and procurement systems using the globally accepted Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) Framework. This has resulted in a well-articulated, programmatic and feasible Ogun State Public Financial Management (PFM) Reform Agenda, which will shape the vista of public service delivery in our State.
37. Distinguish Ladies and Gentlemen, this Agenda, which is a planned prioritization and sequencing of proposed measures and interventions to be taken by various development partners in a coordinated manner, is expected to facilitate our efforts at sustaining the growth and development of our State. Indeed, the Agenda is intended to ensure a more effective and efficient resource mobilization and utilization in our overall process of rebuilding.
Donor Agencies
38. At this juncture, let me appreciate the ever increasing contribution of our Development Partners and Donor agencies. This Administration has ensured that contending priorities notwithstanding, the fulfilment of Government Counterpart Cash Contributions continues to be duly met. I wish to recall that in the outgoing year (2012) the development programmes touched such areas as Water, Sanitation, Agriculture, Health, Basic Education Planning and Communication, Child and Women protection components, amongst others. Over N2.5b was paid as counterpart contributions.
MAIN FEATURES OF 2013 BUDGET
39. The proposed 2013 Budget is geared towards consolidating the outcomes of our efforts at rebuilding our dear State and achieving sustainable growth. We will continue to pay attention to the revival of our collective heritage and wealth creation through sound economic policies and the sustenance of our Five Cardinal Programmes.
40. It is important to state that the 2013 Budget preparation exercise began with the issuance of the Call Circular in August 2012. Thereafter, a sensitisation workshop was held for the key players in the budgetary process to discuss the emerging issues in our budget reforms. This event was closely followed by sectoral meetings and interactive sessions with MDAs to jointly appraise their proposals. Furthermore, a Town Hall meeting was held to obtain input from the general public. The preparation process ended with the Treasury Board Meeting with Stakeholders. The purpose was to ensure that due process was followed and that the good people of the State were fully consulted in the budget preparation process. I am therefore presenting a product of extensive consultation and deep reflection of the desires of our people.
41. Mr Speaker, Honourable Members and the good people of Ogun State, I now present the 2013 Budget Proposals which has been tagged “The Budget for Sustainable Growth” in continuation of our Mission to Rebuild Ogun State.
42. The Budget size is N211.86billion, which is 5.6% above the 2012 Budget of N200.55 billion. It comprises of N118.23 billion capital expenditure (56%) and N93.64 billion (44%) recurrent. This is a reflection of our commitment to sustain the growth of infrastructure.
2013 REVENUE
43. The expected total revenue is N148.75 billion, while the proposed Capital Receipts in the form of grants, internal loans and external concessional loans stand at N 63.11billion.
44. The Budget is proposed to be funded as follows:
Source
N Billion
% of Total
Internally Generated Revenue
74.93
35.37
Federal Transfers
73.82
34.84
Total Revenue
148.75
70.21
Capital Receipt
63.11
29.79
Total Funding
211.86
100
2013 EXPENDITURE
45. The summary of expenditure is as follows:
Details
2013
Estimates
N(billion)
%
of
Total
Salaries and Allowances
48.57
22.93
Consolidated Revenue Fund Charge (Pension and Gratuities)
9.00
4.25
Total Personnel Cost
57.57
27.17
Overhead
36.07
17.03
Total Recurrent
93.64
44.20
Capital
118.23
55.80
Total Budget
211.86
100.00
The distribution among some of the functional classifications indicates:
S/n
Sector
2013 Estimates (Nb)
%
of
Total
1
Affordable Qualitative Education
43.44
20.50
2
Rural & Infrastructural Development / Employment Generation
39.92
18.70
3
Affordable Housing and Urban Renewal
29.62
13.98
4
Efficient Health Care Delivery
14.72
6.95
5
Agricultural Production / Industrialization
10.69
5.05
Sub – Total
138.38
65.32
6
Others
73.48
34.68
Total
211.86
100.00
SECTORAL PROPOSALS
Affordable Qualitative Education
46. In 2013, a total sum of N43.44 billion representing 20.50% of the total budget has been allocated to the education sector. The major initiatives in this sector are:
i. Completion of the construction of the 15 Model Schools;
ii. Construction of additional 13 Model Schools;
iii. Renovation of 200 Secondary Schools;
iv. Provision of equipment for 7 Government Science and Technical Colleges and some Secondary Schools;
v. Scholarship and Bursary Awards to Ogun State students in Tertiary Institutions across the country.
vi. Completion of Hostels in 5 tertiary institutions.
vii. We plan to increase capital expenditure in our tertiary institutions with the introduction of a Capital Grants Scheme. This will be used to fund the provision of modern laboratory equipment and rehabilitation of internal road networks in our Tertiary Institutions.
Efficient Health Care Delivery
47. A total sum of N14.72 billion (6.95%) has been appropriated to the health sector in 2013. Major initiatives include:
i. Model hospitals. In the outgoing year, we constructed a model of the Ogun Standard medium sized hospital by upgrading our primary health centre at Totoro. In 2013, we will construct 9 more such hospitals in each of the Federal constituencies of the state.
ii. In the primary care sector, we will continue our programme of upgrading primary care centres in all local government areas of the state through renovation and the provision of new equipment, water and power supply. We will continue with our programmes for maternal and child health and further roll out the conditional cash transfer schemes.
iii. We will continue to expand our Community Health Insurance schemes to bring affordable healthcare to reach of all citizens, particularly those in the informal sector, the self employed, and in rural and otherwise deprived areas.
iv. For tertiary care, we intend to continue to restore the structures in Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital to their former glory while investing in new state-of-the-art modern diagnostic equipment. OOUTH must return to its status as one of the leading teaching hospitals of the nation. We are also planning to invest in the establishment of a new ultra-modern cancer diagnostic and treatment centre.
v. Our general hospitals will also see significant changes to support the influx of new personnel. We will raise their levels of professionalism to the ‘Ogun Standard’ with a significant increase in the professional development programmes for all our healthcare professionals. Modern diagnostic and other equipment will be available in all our referral hospitals.
Agricultural Production/Industrialization
Agriculture
48. Another sector that will occupy the centre stage in Government activity in 2013 is Agriculture and Forestry. Accordingly, a total sum of N10.69 (5.05%) billion has been allocated to increased agricultural production/industrialisation. It is hoped that the entire value-chain will be fully exploited and comparative advantage in areas of food supply, job creation and preservation of our forest reserves will be fully explored. In the pursuit of this objective, specific programmes and projects have been targeted for execution.
Farm Estates and Plantations
49. It is the desire of the Government to develop Model Farm Estates in each of the three Senatorial Districts. These will engage a minimum of 500 unemployed graduates and will create an estimated additional 5000 jobs in the wider communities. We also plan to develop our plantations and elevate them from their current deplorable condition to such a level that would add value, create wealth and generate additional job opportunities for the good people of the State. The farm plantations are;
i. Cashew plantation of about 350 Hectares of land at Ibara Orile;
ii. Oil palm plantation at Apoje and Lomiro in Ijebu North and Ogun Waterside Local Governments respectively;
iii. Rubber Plantation at Ikenne and Ilushin.
Crops
50. We intend to focus on the following crops for which the State has enormous comparative advantage - Cassava, Rice, Oil Palm , Cocoa, Rubber, Cotton, Sugar cane, Pepper, Tomato, Citrus fruits and vegetables. In each Senatorial District we will cultivate up to 1000 hectares. This will be pursued under Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA).
School Farms
51. In 2013 we will re-introduce an effective farm programme in our secondary schools. We will raise a generation of young people who will take pleasure in agriculture as a vocation and a reliable source of respectable livelihood.
Forestry Plantation
52. The degree of devastation from illegal activities such as illicit felling of trees in our forest plantations will no longer be tolerated. This will be addressed with the full might of Government in 2013. The security needed in terms of personnel and hard-ware will be fully mobilised and supervised for an effective end to this menace. The nine Forest Reserves namely; Omo, Oloke-Meji, Arakanga, Ilaro, Edun Stream, Eggua, Aworo, Ohunbe and Imeko will experience a return to sanity in the management of our forest resources through aggressive aforestation programme. The Government owned Timber Company at J4 will be rehabilitated to add value to our forest woods.
Input and Supporting Services
53. In continuation of the initiatives commenced in 2012, increased investment will be made in essential agricultural equipment such as Bulldozers, low-loaders and tractors. We also in our plan to upgrade the existing small processing outfits through the purchase of implements such as the farm gate processing machines, graters and pressers. These machines are for empowerment of cassava growers - to add value to their produce, thereby enhancing their income and livelihood.
54. Poultry Multiplication Centres are also planned for Emuren, Odeda and Ilaro for the production of day old chicks for poultry farmers. The livestock projects at Oke-Eri in Ijebu North Local Government and Balekan in Odeda Local Government and will be enhanced.
Commerce and Industry
55. Our efforts will be geared towards the following:
i. Infrastructural development of Industrial Parks in the three Senatorial Districts in the State;
ii. Development of Technology Incubation Centres in the 3 Senatorial Districts;
iii. Bank of Industry/Industrial Development Counterpart Funding - our Government will continue to provide its own share of counterpart funding for Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs);
iv. Renovation and upgrading of facilities at major Markets such as:
a. Oba Lipede Ultra-Modern Market, Kuto, Abeokuta;
b. Olabisi Onabanjo International Market Ita-Osu in Ijebu-Ode;
c. Sagamu International Market;
d. Yewa International Market;
e. June 12 Market, Panseke.
Government will ensure that each of the markets has functional boreholes and such facilities as may be necessary for conducive business environment.
Affordable Housing and Urban Renewal
56. The amount allocated to this sector is N29.62billion representing 13.98% of the overall budget size.
Housing
57. The challenge of adequate housing stock for the good people of Ogun State will receive further attention in 2013. Specific interventions include:
i. Flagship residential housing estate at Idi Aba, Abeokuta;
ii. Five other residential housing estates to be constructed with Joint Venture partners at Ijebu Ode, Sagamu, Ifo, Ado-Odo/Ota and Abeokuta North;
iii. Medium/High Income Residential estate in a satellite town close to Lagos.
58. The implementation of housing programmes will utilise a cocktail of options in terms of products offered including the facilitation of mortgage loans. All strata of the society will be catered for as low to high income housing will be provided.
Urban Renewal
59. We are also committed to building new City Centres and industrial estates across our 3 Senatorial Districts. The City Centres will comprise of Housing estates, shopping malls, commercial centres etc. Highlights of some of our 2013 plans include:
i. Agbara Industrial Estate on 650 hectares. This will open up that area and make our State an industrial hub;
ii. Site clearing and commencement of Industrial estates in Sagamu and Waterside Local Governments;
iii. Site clearing and commencement of Abeokuta City Centre
iv. Construction of a 2500-seater multi-purpose hall behind the June 12 Cultural Centre.
60. We intend to fully engage our artisans and unskilled labourers while the sourcing of building materials from indigenous traders will be pursued principally to inject new life into local business.
Lands and Survey
61. The ongoing Geographical Information System project entails a Process Review and Re-engineering coupled with satellite mapping and property enumeration. The project will eliminate intra-agency bureaucracies and bottlenecks thereby providing a seamless and efficient service to land owners.
Rural & Infrastructural Development/Employment Generation
62. The total amount assigned to this sector in the 2013 Budget is N39.92 billion (18.84%). In the area of roads, our focus will be on the completion of the roads for which contracts were awarded in 2012 in line with the “Ogun Standard”. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, and the good people of Ogun State, it is clear that these ambitious major road projects cannot all be completed in 2013, but they will surely be completed by this Administration.
Security
63. Without doubt, we shall continue our efforts towards securing both life and property in Ogun State. Specifically we have in focus the provision of additional equipment for the two (2) existing special squads i.e. QRS and Operation MESA. We solicit the continued cooperation of the Organised Private Sector and eminent citizens in this quest for additional security. I also want to thank the banks, other corporate organisations, traditional rulers and all those that have supported us in the past.
64. Security monitoring of our cities across the State with the best available surveillance technology will be ensured, and we will set up a 24-hour Emergency Response Call Centre at the base station attached to the Special Squad to attend to distress calls.
Transportation
65. In the areas of rail and water transportation, we have engaged the relevant Federal institutions in pro-active discussions with the intention of ensuring that these modes of transportation are harnessed to the benefit and convenience of the citizens of the State.
i. Consultants will be commissioned for the design, survey of the rail line and traffic study of our proposed light-rail project in our bold march towards socio-economic renewal;
ii. The 2013 Budget contains provisions for the commencement of light rail and an airstrip/airport;
iii. Private sector investment will be attracted to partner with us in providing new vehicles for our taxi operators and other transporters at affordable rates and friendly terms.
Culture and Tourism
66. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has been challenged to place the State on the National Tourism Calendar with appropriate programmes and events built around the State’s cultural heritage..
The specific projects to be embarked upon are:
i. The construction of a Museum; iii Botanical Garden;
ii. Theme Park; iv. Film Village.
Sports
67. We will increase the utilisation of our existing stadia at Ijebu Ode, Sagamu, Ilaro and Muda Lawal, by upgrading and maintaining the infrastructure. We will provide athlete hostel facilities where necessary. This wil entail the creation of indoor sports facilities. The tracks and other facilities at MKO Abiola Stadium will be completely overhauled. We will also provide a public swimming pool at Ijebu Ode. We will revive the “Catch Them Young “ programme in Lawn Tennis, Table Tennis, Athletics, Football and Swimming. We will also equip our schools with modern sporting facilities. and our Lawn Tennis circuit will be revived statewide. Efforts will also be made to return Gateway United Football Club to the Premiership.
Information
68. The equipment status of both the Ministry of Information and Strategy and its two Parastatals, have been reviewed and earmarked for radical overhaul in 2013. Given the NCC policy for upgraded technology, the gradual migration of the analog technology will continue in 2013.
Women Affairs
69. Our Administration recognizes the place of women in our developmental process. We are committed to elevating the living standard of women, children and other vulnerable groups. In line with this, some of the projects to be executed in 2013 will include:
i. Micro Credit Scheme targeting 5,000 women;
ii. Renovation of Old People’s Home and Destitutes’ Temporary Rehabilitation Centre;
iii. Provision of Family Recreation Centre;
iv. Establishment of Family Courts;
v. Renovation of Children Transit Home and implementation of Child’s Right Law.
Legislature
70. As I indicated earlier, a cordial working relationship exists between the Legislative and Executive arm of Government. Mr Speaker and the Honourable Members continue to carry out their oversight functions. To enhance their functions, funds have been allocated to cover:
i. Expansion of the House of Assembly Complex;
ii. Computerisation and automation;
iii. Construction of Speaker’s Lodge;
iv. Constituency Projects.
Judiciary
71. A transparent justice and effective law enforcement system is key to our democratic process. The Judiciary like the Legislature have demonstrated a high level of co-operation with the Executive arm of Government. Some of the initiatives to be pursued during the fiscal year in this sector include:
i. Rehabilitation of courtrooms;
ii. Resuscitation of the construction of the Judicial Headquarters;
iii. Provision of modern courtroom facilities;
iv. Provision of cars for Judges;
v. Training and retraining of judicial personnel.
Service Matters
72. The Civil Service is the engine room for policy distillation and implementation. We recognize that our determination to sustain the growth of the State will remain a mirage without a vibrant Public Service. We therefore reiterate our commitment to building a more proactive worker-friendly environment that will facilitate a well-motivated Public Service. This will ensure higher productivity in the fiscal year 2013. The specific projects to be implemented in 2013 include:
i. Conduct of capacity gap assessments to close such gaps;
ii. Restructuring of the Public Service;
iii. Pursuit of human capital development strategy;
iv. Construction of a new Staff Development Centre.
Conclusion
73. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, and the good people of Ogun State, I have highlighted both our accomplishments and challenges in the outgoing year. The road to success has never been smooth. Commitment, passion, doggedness and professionalism are key ingredients for attaining success. Co-operation and harmony between the various arms of Government have contributed in no small measure to the progress achieved so far. More than ever before, we should continue to join hands as we seek to bequeath an enduring legacy to Ogun State and generations yet unborn. We must realize that we owe a duty to the people of this State to provide good governance and improved quality of life.
74. Let me acknowledge the trust and confidence that the good people of Ogun State continue to repose in our Administration. Permit me to use this medium to appreciate the invaluable support, understanding and contribution of all stakeholders, both within and outside the State, which have helped our Administration to focus on its mission to rebuild our State and sustain its growth. Our gratitude equally goes to our Party Leaders, our revered Royal Fathers, Elder Statesmen, Senior Citizens, Pensioners, Development Partners, Non-Governmental Organizations, Civil Societies, Professional Bodies, Trade Associations, the Media, the Private Sector, our dedicated and committed Public Servants and all well-meaning groups and individuals for their unalloyed support and faith in our cause.
75. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, Gentlemen of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you most sincerely for listening to this address. We have a collective responsibility to ensure the success of this “Budget for Sustainable Growth” for the benefit of our people. I strongly believe that God willing, with determination and collective effort, we shall succeed in this desire to sustain the growth of our dear State.
76. I thank you all. God Bless You. God Bless Ogun State. God Bless the Federal Republic Of Nigeria.
Senator Ibikunle Amosun FCA,
Governor of Ogun State, Nigeria.
Tuesday 20th November, 2012
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