Gov Otu Presents N250bn 2024 Budget For Cross River

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River on Thursday presented a budget of N250 billion for 2024 to the state House of Assembly for approval. Presenting the budget titled: “The Peoples First Budget’’, Otu said that the figure was made up of N154billion capital expenditure and N96billion recurrent expenditure. He said that the budget was aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) goal 11, which focused on zero hunger, goal 111 which focused on good health and wellbeing and goal 1V which focused on quality education. “The 2023 budget of quantum infinitum which my administration inherited sought to transform as well as empower citizens through wealth creation and employment generation, improvement of educational standard, access to healthcare among others. “So, we intend to consolidate on the gains made by my predecessor as well as deliver quality service to our people. “For the 2024 fiscal year, the government is expecting N133 billion from the Federal Allocation Account (FAAC) while independent revenue is estimated at N35 billion,” he said. Otu said that the budget would priotise agriculture, education, healthcare delivery, environment, infrastructure, youth and sports development, security, tourism and general administration. The governor said as a newly elected governor, he would continue from where the previous administration stopped by continuing with some of priority projects while adding some innovative ones. “The 2023 budget of quantum infinitum which my administration inherited sought to transform as well as empower citizens through wealth creation and employment generation, improvement of educational standard, access to healthcare among others. “So, we intend to consolidate on the gains made by my predecessor as well as deliver quality service to our people. “For the 2024 fiscal year, the government is expecting N133 billion from the Federal Allocation Account (FAAC) while independent revenue is estimated at N35 billion,” he said.

Meet Sunday Ekedayen: Delta State’s visionary Commissioner for Economic Planning

Mr. Sunday A. Ekedayen, a Chartered Accountant renowned for his astute administrative skills, currently serves as the Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning. Holding an impressive academic background, Ekedayen is an alumnus of the University of Lagos, a versatile manager of both human and material resources, and a figure seamlessly integrated into various sectors. His journey began in the early 1990s when he entered the finance industry, swiftly ascending the ranks within one of the national Development Finance Institutions (DFIs). Fondly known as Sonny, his professional prowess and kindhearted nature endeared him to colleagues and management alike. His willingness to support others made him a cornerstone of the organizations he has served. A significant milestone in Ekedayen’s career came with the transformation of the Bank of Industry, arising from the amalgamation of Nigeria Industrial Development Bank (NIDB), Nigeria Bank for Commerce and Industry (NCI), and National Economic Reconstruction Fund (NERFUND). In this transformative phase, Sonny played a pivotal role in crafting operational protocols for the reimagined enterprise, now recognized as the Bank of Industry. Much like a versatile utility player, Sonny showcased his adaptability by maneuvering through various units of the newly formed bank, culminating in his leadership of the Internal Control and Audit (IC&A) Department. His departure from each role was met with a sense of loss, and his arrival at new posts was always celebrated, a testament to his impact. Now in his role as the Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning, the stage is set for Ekedayen to exhibit his trademark proactive approach. His congenial nature and reputation for quick thinking position him as a dependable ally, primed to hit the ground running. Ekedayen’s ability to seamlessly transition between sectors and functions underscores his capacity as a well-rounded individual. As he continues to serve in his new role, Delta State can anticipate a future guided by his strategic economic insights and steadfast commitment to progress.