The Oyo State Government has called on residents of the Oke-Ogun zone to actively contribute their inputs to the formulation of the 2026 fiscal plan, reaffirming its commitment to participatory governance and citizen-inclusive budgeting.
The Deputy Governor, Barr. Adebayo Lawal, made this known on Tuesday during the 2026 Budget Stakeholders’ Consultative Meeting held at the Saki Township Hall.
Lawal emphasized that the forum was designed to give citizens a stronger voice in the budgetary process while also providing feedback on the implementation of the 2025 budget. He noted that inputs from previous consultations had been duly reflected in past budgets, underscoring the government’s consistency in responding to the needs of its people.
The Deputy Governor assured that all ongoing projects initiated after the 2025 consultations would be completed before the end of the present administration’s second term. He further pledged that the state government would intensify efforts to secure the Oke-Ogun zone, describing safety as a crucial factor for the region’s economic advancement.
“The government will leave no stone unturned in strengthening security across all major routes, entry and exit points, and strategic locations within the Oke-Ogun area,” Lawal said, adding that any individual found engaging in criminal activities would face the full weight of the law.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, reiterated the importance of citizens’ participation, noting that the success of the state’s fiscal policy depends largely on civic engagement and responsible tax compliance.
“This consultative meeting is one of several across the state’s zones. It ensures that residents’ needs and priorities directly shape the 2026 budget framework,” Babatunde explained. “Governor Seyi Makinde remains committed to a people-centered budgeting process that reflects inclusiveness and accountability.”
Community leaders, traditional rulers, artisans, market women, youth representatives, and members of civil society attended the meeting, presenting their respective requests and proposals for the coming year’s budget.