By Kanu Samuel
The Ondo State Government has raised its 2026 budget from N524.411 billion to N769.384 billion to accelerate infrastructure development, with roads, water and healthcare identified as key priorities.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Olaolu Akindolire, disclosed this on Tuesday after the State Executive Council meeting, saying the increase was driven by the administration’s intensified infrastructure programme.
Akindolire said the revised budget would provide additional funding to sustain ongoing projects, close identified funding gaps and respond to emerging development needs across the state.
The review followed a mid-year assessment of the 2026 Appropriation Law, which was signed into law on December 29, 2025, and came into effect on January 1, 2026.
The revised appropriation has been forwarded to the Ondo State House of Assembly for ratification.
According to the commissioner, the first- and second-quarter budget implementation appraisal reports showed varying levels of performance among Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
He said while some MDAs had recorded increased demands and were approaching the limits of their approved provisions, others had experienced slower utilisation of funds because of implementation challenges.
Akindolire said the review was therefore intended to realign budgetary provisions, address funding shortfalls and improve implementation during the remaining months of the year.
As part of the infrastructure drive, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has directed that at least five kilometres of roads be constructed in each of the state’s 18 local government areas before the end of 2026.
The directive translates to a minimum of 90 kilometres of road construction across the state.
Akindolire said the projects were expected to improve connectivity, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, link communities to markets, schools and healthcare facilities, and stimulate economic activity in both urban and rural areas.
The revised budget also provides additional funding for the Adegbola–St Mathias flyover along Oba Adesida Road in Alagbaka, Akure.
The commissioner said the water and healthcare sectors had equally received additional funding.
He said anticipated development financing would support projects aimed at improving access to reliable potable water, while the increased healthcare allocation would strengthen service delivery and address emerging needs in the sector.
Meanwhile, the council approved the appointment of Prof Thompson Akinyele Akinifesi as the pioneer Ekingbade of Bolorunduro in Ondo East Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said the appointment would usher in a new era for the community, which serves as the headquarters of Bolorunduro Local Government.
The council also approved the appointment of warrant chiefs to facilitate the selection of new traditional rulers in Ikun Akoko in Akoko South-West Local Government Area, Ute in Ose Local Government Area and Ero in Ifedore Local Government Area.
The appointments are expected to facilitate the emergence of a new Olokun of Ikun Akoko, Olute of Ute and Ekiri of Ero.
Takuro said the government remained committed to ensuring the smooth installation of traditional rulers in communities ready to select new obas, without undue interference.
Reiterating the council’s decisions, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, said the Aiyedatiwa administration would continue to prioritise infrastructural development as part of its efforts to drive economic growth and improve living conditions across Ondo State.
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