Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, has presented N605.7 billion budget estimates to the House of Assembly for the 2025 fiscal year, representing 25 per cent increase from the 2024 budget figures.
Presenting the budget christened “Budget of Renewed hope for a Rising Edo” on Tuesday, Okpebholo said capital expenditure would take N381 billion, representing 63 per cent while recurrent had N223 billion, representing 37 per cent.
Okpebholo noted that his administration plans to make huge difference in infrastructure with the appropriation of N162 billion to road construction across the State.
He appropriated N48 billion for Education, while N500 million is appropriated to Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma as monthly subvention to ensure its revival.
The governor also appropriated N63.9 billion to the health sector, N1.8 billion is set aside for the Health Insurance scheme, with N4.5 billion budgeted for agriculture sector.
He further stated that his administration recently purchased 20 patrol vehicles to assist the security personnel in their work, adding that he plans to purchase more in the coming year.
However, the presentation was not without drama, as Okpebholo struggled to read out the budget figures in his speech.
In fact, he stumbled a number of times, asking to be excused to read the figures again.
“Let me take it again,” he said a couple of times, smiling.
Receiving the budget estimates, Speaker of the Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, assured the governor that the House will expeditious passage of the budget.
Agbebaku also assured of the Assembly’s resolve to work with the governor for the good of Edo people.