Ikosi-Isheri LCDA hosted a two-day budget retreat on 20th and 21st of November at the renowned Osmak Hotels & Suites in Ibadan. The retreat focused on the Y2024 budget which is themed “Budget of Optimization for Sustainable Development.”

The Mayoress of Ikosi Isheri LCDA, Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, expressed her gratitude to Almighty Allah as the Y2024 budget retreat concluded successfully. The theme of the budget is “Optimization for Sustainable Development,” and the LCDA has outlined an array of projects for the upcoming year.

Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada highlighted the focus on various sectors, starting with healthcare. A grand health center is set to be rebuilt, demonstrating the LCDA’s commitment to providing top-notch medical facilities. The mayoress also emphasized the LCDA’s dedication to road projects and interventions in the education sector.

Considering the ongoing national conversation surrounding palliatives, Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada acknowledged the expectations of the community. The LCDA aims to ensure that the impact of subsidy removal is felt at the Local Government level. Continuing their efforts, palliative initiatives will be a monthly occurrence throughout Y2024.

Skill acquisition is another significant area of focus for the LCDA. Recognizing the importance of self-reliance, the mayoress expressed her desire to empower individuals with the necessary skills to thrive beyond traditional employment opportunities.

Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada assured the community that Y2024 will be a fulfilling year where the dividends of democracy will be tangibly felt.

Hon. Odubiro Olusola, the supervisor for Budget in Ikosi Isheri, expressed gratitude for the productive session where they reviewed, analyzed, and planned for the upcoming year’s budget.

Olushola highlighted that the local government has not only excelled in project execution but has also made significant strides in human capital development. The positive performance index indicates a promising future, and with proper coordination among departments, they are confident in achieving their desired outcomes.

The supervisor commended the chairman for managing the local government’s finances responsibly, as there is no outstanding debt to any financial institution. This financial stability provides an advantage in executing various projects within the community.

Mr. Olomo Adeyinka, the head of planning, budget, and statistics departments of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, stated the importance of including critical stakeholders in the budget planning process.

Two weeks prior, the council invited the citizens of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA to share their presentations and infrastructure development needs. The government took these inputs into careful consideration during their deliberations.

The discussions involved supervisors representing each ward, and they worked diligently to align the budget with the citizens’ expectations and requirements.

Looking ahead, the council aims to begin implementing the budget in the first quarter of the next fiscal year. Adeyinka expressed optimism that by the end of the fourth quarter, they will have achieved a remarkable 80-90% of their goals. However, the availability of funds may pose a constraint.

Adeyinka explained that any unfinished projects due to cash flow limitations will be rolled over into the next fiscal year’s budget preparation.

In attendance; the Vice Chairman Hon. Olayinka Ogunleye, the Legislative Arm led by the Council leader Hon Yunusa Salami, the Executive team led by the Secretary to the Local Government Hon. Kola Omotayo, Management Team led by The Council Manager Mrs Mercy Adeyemi, among others.