victoria adebimpe
The Ondo State government has revealed that it will be spending N3.2 billion on security this year. This was revealed by the state Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr Emmanuel Igbasan.
Igbasan on Monday stated that the state budgeted N3.2 billion to purchase security outfits and employ security personnels for the Ondo State Security Network Agency otherwise known as Amotekun, in the state in 2023.
While speaking with Journalists in Akure, Igbasan, revealed that the Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu presented a total budget proposal of N272.73 billion to the state House of Assembly but N275. 98 billion was approved by the house and which he signed into law in December.
He said,
“Provision of security hardware for Amotekun, N2bn; procurement of security vehicles, N500m; provision of security equipment/infrastructure, N700m and purchase of 10 motorcycles for bailiff and security personnel and other courts’ staff, N5m.
Ondo State recently ranked the least in multi-dimensional poverty index in the country in a survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics in conjunction with UNICEF and others. This feat is occasioned by people-oriented programmes embarked upon by this administration which paid due attention to economic drivers and enablers during the year.
“There is the need to deepen the economic impact of various programmes which earn the state this recognition. The next step will be to ensure that more people are enlisted in the production loop and taken out of poverty.
“Mr Governor has, therefore, approved that programmes that will affect the majority of our people be prioritised in the year. Hence, the budget is titled a ‘Budget of shred prosperity’.”
