Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured stakeholders that their contributions will be reflected in the 2027 budget proposal to be presented to the state House of Assembly, promising an inclusive process in determining the state’s spending priorities.

Makinde gave the assurance at the Stakeholders’ Consultative and Engagement Meeting on the 2027 Budget for Oyo State, held at the University of Ibadan.

The governor said his administration had executed infrastructure projects and established institutions expected to serve the state for more than 20 years, adding that the priority should now be to maintain existing infrastructure and institutions.

He said his government recognised early that infrastructure development was fundamental to economic growth, noting that investments in the sector had significantly increased the value of assets across the state.

Makinde, who is scheduled to leave office on May 29, 2027, said his administration could implement, at most, about 30 per cent of the 2027 budget before the end of its tenure.

He, however, assured participants that their recommendations would be considered in preparing the budget proposal, which would subsequently be submitted to the state Assembly.

In his goodwill message, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, pledged the legislature’s collaboration with the executive to ensure effective implementation of the budget.

On his part, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, commended Makinde for what he described as his commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable development.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Oluwaseun Ojo, urged participants to make evidence-based recommendations that would help the government determine spending priorities and improve budget outcomes.

Participants at the meeting included representatives of local government chairmen, farmers, traders, artisans, students and religious leaders.

They called for greater inclusiveness, accountability and financial support, urging the government to ensure that the needs of different groups and communities were adequately reflected in the 2027 budget.