By Rainbow Newspaper
The Chairman of Ika South Local Government (LG), Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, Tuesday, presented the 2025 fiscal appropriation of N 10. 786 billion to the Legislative Arm.
Presenting the draft budget, tagged, “Budget of Reality” before the House, Engr. Ehiwarior noted that the document was prepared in line with current economic realities in Nigeria.
According to the local government boss, “this year’s budget is so christened because it centres on present economic situation in Nigeria.”
The Chairman also stated, “in putting it together, there was due reflection on the fiscal provisions for previous years, and an intelligent forecast made for 2025 budget, based on recurrent and capital expenditures.
“Maximum diligence was brought to play in the allocation of votes to different heads, especially on the overhead cost, in order to avoid a situation of unutilised provisions.
“With this, more votes were projected to capital expenditure which will create room for more projects to be executed, as it remains the bedrock for effective and sustainable L
Local government advancement.”
He explained that in relation to the provision for previous years, this year’s budget size was equally shot up due to salary increase occasioned by new minimum wage, anticipated capital projects, inflation-related increases in over head cost and expected Consolidated Revenue Fund.
He stressed that the budget was geared towards the active promotion of economic growth, improvement of infrastructure and enhancement of service to the people of Ika South.
He added that the budget estimates were based on a thorough review of the local government’s revenue and expenditure projections as well as its strategic priorities.
The breakdown of the budget shows that N6, 531, 900, 000. 00 is earmarked for recurrent commitments, while N4, 255, 900 000. 00 was allocated for capital expenditure.
Ehiwarior said the budget is expected to be funded through statutory allocation from the Federation Account, State statutory transfers and internally -generated revenue.
Receiving the estimates, the Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Linus Ikem, while commending the Chairman for his proactive approach to governance, said the council boss had done well within the period that he had been at the helm of affairs in the local government
He praised him for being a responsive leader and assured him that the House would give the needed attention and speedy passage to the draft budget for the overall benefit of the people of Ika South Local Government Area.
The motion to accept the draft estimates as a working document was moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Gloria Aboh Ebuh, the Councillor representing Ward 10, and was seconded by Hon. Jude Etuoke, the Councillor representing Ward 20.
Those who accompanied the Chairman to the budget presentation included the Vice Chairman, Hon. Mrs Glory Amamosa Onyeagbor, the Secretary to the Local Government, (SLG),Mr. Kainji Obia Aluge, the Head of Personnel Management, ( HPM),Mrs Patricia Nmakwe, Supervisors of the Council, Heads of Department (HODs/2ICs, Ika South PDP Chairman, Comrade Amaechi Igumbor, the Assistant State Secretary of the PDP, Delta State, Hon. Godwin Ezedum, Chief Oni Agbobu, Hon. Ifeanyi Nmoye and other party faithful.
