The State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George has reiterated the State Government’s commitment to citizens’ participatory and all-inclusive governance process.
George disclosed this today at the commencement of the Y2025 Budget Consultative Forum for Lagos Division held at Blessing Hall, Eko Club, stressing that some of the suggestions and outcomes of the Y2023 fora were included in the preparation of the Year 2024 Budget.
According to him, between January and June 2024, 400 beneficiaries enjoyed Micro Enterprise loans while 155 enjoyed SME loans amounting to N277, 972, 662.55. Also N100, 000.00 was given as a grant allowance to certain numbers of people living with disabilities for start-up businesses in the State.
George added that 250 youths went through Tie and Dye training programmes in the State while 510 passed through vocational training with women for grassroots development and all were empowered with the necessary tools.
While mentioning some other projects that were birthed through the annual Budget Consultative Forum, he stated that the recently awarded Oroyinyin Road, Ojo Giwa Road to Oyingbo, the 72% completed Ajah to Epe expressway, Takwa Bay, Bogije Jetties among others are part of the outcome.
George said, “While the State Government acknowledged the challenges caused by the fuel subsidy removal, the present administration in Lagos will continue to ensure the well-being of the citizens as demonstrated by various interventions in Agriculture to boost food security, the Transportation sector (discount in bus fares, the introduction of CNG buses), and the Health sector (free medical services for children, the elderly and pregnant women).’’
He said to achieve more by the State Government, the LASG IGR must be strengthened by minimising waste and resolving challenges.
“We make a passionate appeal to all the citizens of Lagos to fulfil their civic responsibilities by paying their taxes when due, as the optimal performance of the Budget is strongly dependent on revenue generated in the State”, he stated.
The annual Budget Consultative Forum which will be held in all five divisions of the State will hold the Ikeja Stakeholders forum at the Eko FM Multi-Purpose Hall on Wednesday, July 24, Ikorodu Division at Ikorodu Town’s Hall on Thursday, July 25, the Epe Division will come up on Friday, July 26 at the Jubilee Chalet, Epe and the Badagry Division will be hosted at Makanjuola Auditorium, Lagos State University, Ojo on Tuesday, 30th July 2024.
OA/TMS/KO
