Ekiti Speaker Reaffirms People-Centred Governance as Oyebanji Presents ₦415.5bn Budget

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By Ojo Ayodeji

The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Seventh Assembly to transparent and people-focused governance, describing the legislature as a reliable partner in advancing the vision of the Oyebanji administration.

Aribasoye stated this during the presentation of the 2026 Budget Proposal by Governor Biodun Oyebanji at the Old Assembly Chamber, the same venue used at the inception of democratic governance in Ekiti State.

Governor Oyebanji presented a ₦415.5 billion budget estimate for the 2026 fiscal year, comprising ₦221.8 billion for recurrent expenditure and ₦193.7 billion for capital expenditure.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Babajide Agbeyo, Aribasoye said the Assembly under his leadership remains guided by the principles of accountability, openness, and inclusiveness, ensuring that government spending translates into meaningful benefits for the people.

Legislative Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

The Speaker noted that the Assembly had continued to pursue a legislative agenda that strengthens fiscal discipline, transparency, and inclusive governance in the state.

“The enacted laws supporting power, asset management, and local content form the policy architecture that enables budget execution to translate into tangible, citizen-centered outcomes,” Aribasoye said.

He emphasized that budgeting goes beyond figures, describing it as a “deliberate allocation of trust to lift lives and unleash opportunity.”

“Our actions reflect a commitment to governance that is open, lawful, and responsive to the needs of Ekiti people. We are determined to guarantee value-for-money and promote citizens’ participation in governance,” he added.

Citizen Participation in Budget Process

Rt. Hon. Aribasoye highlighted the Assembly’s continued reliance on citizens’ input through town hall meetings, consultations, and data-driven planning to shape state priorities.

“We embrace modern budgeting tools, publish quarterly reports and audited accounts online, and invite citizen participation in setting priorities. As we proceed with the 2026 Appropriation Bill, we reaffirm our pledge that every naira will be accounted for and directed to sectors that yield maximum public benefit,” he affirmed.

He also referenced the ongoing remodeling of the Assembly Complex, describing it as part of efforts to enhance legislative efficiency and preserve institutional heritage.

“We reaffirm the importance of preserving our heritage by maintaining the Old Assembly Chamber as a living memory for Ekiti people. We are considering holding at least one session per legislative year in this historic chamber to remind ourselves where we started,” he said.

Rt. Hon. Aribasoye concluded by calling for continued unity among all stakeholders to sustain Ekiti’s development momentum.

“On behalf of the Seventh Assembly, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to acting in the best interests of Ekiti State. The 2026 Appropriation Bill will reflect the aspirations of farmers, teachers, entrepreneurs, and youths alike,” he declared.

Oyebanji Commends Assembly, Pledges Fiscal Discipline

In his address, Governor Biodun Oyebanji commended the lawmakers for their partnership and commitment to the Ekiti Project, describing them as “formidable hands in the quest for sustainable development.”

He explained that the 2026 Budget was designed to advance the administration’s Shared Prosperity Agenda, focusing on youth engagement, job creation, investment promotion, agriculture, infrastructure, and security of lives and property.

Oyebanji also reiterated his administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline and responsible governance, noting that Ekiti had earned five consecutive top rankings from civic organisation BudgIT for transparency in public finance management.

“Our budget process remains rooted in broad-based citizen engagement, and our consistent recognition in transparency rankings reflects our determination to remain accountable to the people,” he said.