By Opeyemi Abolarinwa

The Osun State House of Assembly on Monday announced that the 2025 Appropriation Bill has increased from it’s previous size.

This was revealed while the Chairman House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon Olumide Fatunmise presented the report of the Finance and Appropriation Committee of year 2025 Proposed Budget to the House of Assembly.

Hon Fatunmise recapped all the steps that transpired from the commencement of the Budget Defense Exercise till the last day.

Among recommendations presented by the Chairman includes that the year 2025 Budget should be strictly revenue-driven as proposed and the state government does not have any option than to explore all available means to improve on its internally generated revenue.The recommendation also stated that to ensure value for money in projects execution, the state Monitoring and Evaluation M&E system and the House of Assembly Oversight Function should be well strengthened and adequately funded.

“That owing to some adjustments/reallocation/redistribution and additions proposed on the draft budget by the state government, the size of the 2025 budget in Osun State has now been shifted from #390, 028, 277,740,00 to #427, 746, 925, 170.00.”

After the presentation, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun commended committee members and fellow lawmakers for their diligent efforts in ensuring a thorough review and timely passage of the bill. He emphasised that the budget prioritises key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, tourism, and security, aiming to achieve meaningful outcomes that will enhance the lives of citizens.

Adoption of the report was moved by Deputy Majority Leader, Hon Adekunle Oladimeji and seconded by Hon Bamidele Lawal representing Osogbo State Constituency.

The Bill, Osun State Appropriation Bill 2025 later passed third reading as moved by Hon Olumide Fatunmise. The speaker, Rt Hon Adewale Egbedun said final copies of the Bill would be produced in due course and sent to the the governor for assent.

Also at the plenary, Private member Bill sponsored by Hon Adewumi Adeyemi representing Obokun State Constituency was read by the speaker Rt Hon Adewale Egbedun. The Bill, Osun State Safety Commission Bill 2024 is designed to establish Safety Commission to avoid stampedes which occured in some states.

The Bill will regulate and standardized public spaces, religious centres, construction sites and large events. It will also provide guidelines for Parks Safety Management, parkings arrangements and society safety to protect lives and property within the state. The Bill will also among other things prevent stampede in Osun State.