…Earmarks N34bn for Infrastructure, N24.9bn for Education
Bayelsa State governor, Sen. Douye Diri, has presented the 2021 budget christened “Budget of Growth” to the House of Assembly.
In his presentation of the N290,295,465,423 Appropriation Bill on the floor of the assembly on Thursday, the governor informed the lawmakers that 2020 has been challenging due to the impact of COVID-19 and the ravages of flooding but expressed optimism that 2021 would be one of progress and prosperity for the state.
He said out of the total sum, N34billion was earmarked for Works and Infrastructure, while Education was allotted N24.9billion, Health N5billion, Agriculture N11.3billion, Trade and Investment N500million and Environment N3.3billion.
Governor Diri also said that personnel cost would gulp N66,646,082,751 while capital expenditure would take N80,017,254,683 and overhead costs N66,185,336,658.
While assuring that his administration will at all times ensure the transparent management of financial resources, he declared that the 2021 budget will give Bayelsans good reasons to face the future with confidence.
While thanking the House of Assembly for its support, Diri pledged to partner with it in the interest of the state, while promising to ensure that every sector of the state economy is affected positively,.
“Mr. Speaker, this budget defines our focus and steps in the imminent financial year and our ambition to diversify the economy, prioritise education, empower our youths to embrace agriculture, industrialise our state and create jobs that will bring prosperity to all.
“My profound congratulations to the good people of Bayelsa State for your stamina, doggedness, sacrifices, patience and partnership that you have accorded to the government as we have made some difficult choices to get the state out of some very inclement terrains.
“If there is one thing I have learned since the start of this administration, it is that faith must stand trial and that examination precedes promotion. We present this prosperity budget 2021 with the conviction that God will grant us favour, understanding and supply all that we need to actualise prosperity,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Speaker of Bayelsa House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, in his remarks, noted that the budget was achievable and commended the governor’s desire to bring prosperity to Bayelsans.
While acknowledging the challenges caused by COVID-19, he expressed hope that the coming year would be better and promised that the legislature will work with the executive to make life better for the people of the state.