Oyo’s Bold March Into the Future: Makinde Presents Ambitious ₦891.99bn Budget Proposal to House of Assembly

In a defining moment for Oyo State’s democratic and developmental journey, Governor Seyi Makinde on Monday presented the 2026 Budget Proposal to the Oyo State House of Assembly, unveiling an ambitious ₦891.99 billion plan that signals a new phase of growth, accountability, and people-centered governance. The mood inside the Assembly Complex was one of focus and determination as lawmakers, government officials, and invited stakeholders gathered to witness a presentation that could shape the state’s social and economic landscape for years to come.

For Makinde, the budget is not merely a compilation of figures—it is a roadmap, a statement of intention, and a reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to inclusive progress. Designed to strengthen infrastructure, deepen investments in education, expand access to healthcare, and reinforce economic resilience, the proposed outlay reflects a government intent on sustaining its reform-driven agenda while responding to the evolving needs of its citizens.

As the governor broke down the essence of the fiscal plan, he emphasized that every line item was crafted with the realities of the present in mind and the possibilities of the future at heart. The proposal, according to him, seeks to consolidate the gains of previous years while accelerating project execution across all zones of the state. From urban centers to hard-to-reach rural communities, the budget aims to ensure that development is both evenly spread and genuinely impactful.

His Excellency’s message was clear: the 2026 budget is more than a governmental exercise—it is a bold expression of collective aspiration. Makinde described it as an instrument designed to reduce inequality, enhance productivity, and unlock opportunities for millions of Oyo residents. He underscored the administration’s readiness to deploy resources efficiently, strengthen institutions, and partner with the private sector to achieve enduring progress. The governor also highlighted that the size of the budget reflects the scale of work required to maintain Oyo State’s upward trajectory.

Following the presentation, Speaker of the 10th Assembly and Chairman of the Conference of Speakers, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, delivered a firm reassurance that the House of Assembly remains deeply committed to its oversight duties. Standing before his colleagues, Ogundoyin emphasized that the budget would undergo rigorous legislative scrutiny to ensure its credibility, feasibility, and alignment with the needs of the people. His tone carried a mix of responsibility and optimism as he highlighted the Assembly’s dedication to fiscal transparency and public accountability.

Ogundoyin stressed that every kobo appropriated must translate into tangible outcomes for the citizens. According to him, the legislature’s role is not merely to approve expenditures but to ensure that budgetary provisions manifest in real improvements—whether through better schools, functional hospitals, safer roads, or opportunities for youth empowerment. The Speaker reaffirmed that the Assembly would give the proposal “the critical attention it deserves,” signalling a harmonious yet firmly objective working relationship between the legislative and executive arms.

Observers note that this synergy between the two branches of government has been a defining feature of the Makinde administration’s governance model. Rather than engage in friction that often stalls public projects, both arms have prioritized collaboration, enabling Oyo State to maintain steady developmental momentum. With the 2026 budget process now underway, many citizens and analysts will be watching closely to see how this partnership continues to shape policy outcomes.

Beyond the political theatre, the human implications of the proposed budget loom large. In the education sector, expectations are high for further improvements in school infrastructure, teacher training, and access to learning materials. Parents and educators across the state will be anticipating clearer pathways to better-equipped classrooms and more conducive learning environments. The administration’s consistent emphasis on education as a foundation for long-term growth suggests that this sector may again receive substantial allocations.

Healthcare delivery also stands as a core pillar of the proposal. With the lessons of recent years still fresh, stakeholders expect reforms that will strengthen primary healthcare facilities, improve personnel welfare, and widen healthcare access across all zones. Better funding could mean enhanced maternal health services, improved emergency response systems, and modernized equipment—steps capable of saving lives and boosting public confidence in state-run facilities.

Infrastructure development, long a hallmark of Makinde’s governance, is equally poised to take center stage in the 2026 budget. From intra-city road networks to rural access routes, and from energy initiatives to public transportation enhancements, the proposed allocation signals the administration’s intention to continue pushing for connectivity and mobility across the state. Businesses and investors are already reading this as a positive indicator for economic expansion and ease of doing business.

Yet, even with the optimism surrounding the proposal, the task ahead is neither small nor simple. Ensuring equitable distribution of development across all zones remains a delicate balance. Managing revenue generation, controlling recurrent expenditure, and maintaining transparency in procurement processes are equally critical challenges the government must navigate. Citizens will be looking to see if the budget can not only promise but deliver meaningful shifts in their daily lives.

Still, in the midst of these challenges, the unity displayed between the executive and legislative bodies stands out as a strong foundation. Speaker Ogundoyin’s remarks captured this spirit of collective effort. He reiterated that progress in Oyo State would continue to be “people-driven and development-focused,” and that lawmakers are ready to work collaboratively to refine the budget, strengthen its implementation strategy, and uphold the trust of the electorate.

As the 2026 budget proposal begins its journey through the legislative process, the atmosphere in Oyo State is one of cautious optimism. The governor has laid out a vision that seeks to elevate every sector of society, and the Assembly has pledged to examine and enhance that vision with diligence and clarity. Residents now await the outcomes of this process, hopeful that the final budget will reflect both prudence and ambition.

In the end, today’s presentation was more than a ceremonial ritual—it was a symbolic and practical step toward shaping the future of Oyo State. With a shared commitment to accountability, growth, and service, both the Executive and the Legislature are setting the stage for a year that could redefine the state’s developmental landscape. As the Speaker affirmed and the governor envisioned, the goal remains the same: moving Oyo State forward, together.