Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area of Ogun has proposed a budget of N505 million for the 2018 fiscal year.

The Chairman of the council, Mr Gbolade Oduwole, made this known while presenting the document before the council’s legislative arm on Tuesday.

There was a reduction in the 2018 budget compared to that of 2017 which was N745,023 million.

Oduwole attributed the reduction to a drop in funds being received by the council from the Federation Accounts, among other factors.

According to Oduwole, the 2018 budget is capital oriented and designed to ensure the needed development of the rural populace through provision of necessary amenities that will bring succour to the people.

A breakdown of the budget showed that Capital Expenditure was N76,620,000, while Recurrent Expenditure inclusive of personnel and overhead cost was put at N325,080 million and N103 million respectively.

“The overall policy thrust of this administration is to ensure rapid development in our communities and to restore hope and happiness to our people.

“The aim is to meet the mandate of the people and focus toward the transformation of the local government,’’ he said.

He said the major thrust of the budget included road maintenance, beautification of the local government, and rehabilitation of office buildings/staff quarters, provision of standard health services, agriculture and educational development.

Leader of the House, Hon. Monsurat Shehu expressed the hope that the budget would help to boost the economic disposition of the local government and improve the lives of the people.

In her acceptance speech, the House Majority Leader, Hon Remilekun Adesanya said the councilors were prepared to do the needful by ensuring improved living standards for the indigenes of the area.

“We will be inviting the stakeholders to clarify some areas in the estimate as this will facilitate and hasten our deliberation.

“Above all, we are poised to ensure quick consideration and passage of the 2018 appropriation bill,” she said.