By Funke Rotimi and Samuel Sunday
The Executive Chairman of Ise/Orun Local Government Hon. Ayodele Samson Bamikole, has presented a ₦3.51 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the Legislative Council, describing it as a “Budget of Consolidation” aimed at strengthening socioeconomic development and improving service delivery across the local government.
Bamikole presented the budget at the legislative chamber of the council in Ise-Ekiti on Monday 22nd December 2025, during the formal budget session attended by councillors, traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials, market leaders, and members of the press.
According to the chairman, the total budget estimate for 2026 stands at ₦3,513,403,990.73, with projected revenue largely dependent on statutory allocation from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
He disclosed that ₦3,466,981,373.10 is expected from FAAC, ₦46,323,407.58 from internally generated revenue, and ₦99,210.05 as opening balance.
A breakdown of the expenditure shows that ₦984,425,000 has been earmarked for recurrent expenditure, including ₦825,320,000 for personnel costs and ₦159,105,000 for other recurrent expenses, while ₦2,528,978,990.73—representing over 70 percent of the total budget—has been allocated to capital expenditure.
Bamikole said the heavy allocation to capital projects reflects the administration’s commitment to consolidating development efforts, completing ongoing projects, and avoiding abandoned infrastructure.
He stressed that the budget aligns with international public sector accounting standards (IPSAS) and follows due process, stakeholder consultations, departmental inputs, and approval of the Finance and General Purposes Committee.
The chairman explained that the 2026 budget is designed to support the six-pillar development agenda of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, with clear objectives including job creation, youth empowerment, social investment programmes, women empowerment, and improved access to qualitative education for children in the local government.
He added that agriculture and rural development would receive significant attention, with priority given to strategic crops such as cassava, rice, cocoa, cashew, maize, yam, and vegetables, as part of efforts to enhance food security, promote agro-business, and support Nigeria’s non-oil export drive.
Bamikole also noted that the budget provides for equitable distribution of infrastructure, improved security, promotion of arts and culture, tourism development, and strengthening of governance through transparency, accountability, workers’ motivation, and inclusive participation of stakeholders.
Describing 2026 as an election year, the chairman urged residents of Ise/Orun Local Government to support the government of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji so that the current progress being experienced by Ekiti people could continue.
The council boss also called on eligible taxpayers to fulfill their civic responsibilities by paying taxes and rates to boost internally generated revenue. He also appealed to sons and daughters of the local government at home and in the diaspora to invest in the area.
He expressed optimism that the proposed budget would make life more comfortable for residents through improved provision of essential services and basic needs, and appealed to councillors to scrutinize and grant speedy passage to the budget.
The session ended with assurances from the executive chairman that the local government would faithfully implement the budget to consolidate development gains and contribute to the overall growth agenda of Ekiti State.
In his reaction, the Leader of the House, Rt. (Hon) Oluwasusi Adeniyi Ebenezer has assured quick passage of the proposed budget.
