Oyo Local Government Chairmen Praise Makinde’s 2026 Budget as a Roadmap to Modern Development

Chairmen of local governments across Oyo State have publicly endorsed Governor Seyi Makinde’s proposed 2026 budget, hailing it as a blueprint for modern development that prioritises infrastructure, service delivery and grassroots empowerment. They argue that the budget reflects a deep commitment to transforming the state into a more productive, connected and investment-friendly economy.

According to the LG chairmen, the large capital allocation in the budget signals Makinde’s resolve to accelerate infrastructure work—especially roads, transport hubs, and public utilities—which they believe will directly benefit local communities. They see this as critical for linking rural areas to economic opportunities and improving mobility for residents.

They also praised the governor for his inclusion of human capital development in the budget proposal. By emphasizing education, healthcare, and vocational training, the chairmen say the administration is building a stronger foundation for long-term development. Such investments, they argue, will help equip young people with skills needed to compete in a modern economy.

Another point of approval is Makinde’s bottom-up approach to budgeting. The chairmen highlighted that engagement with stakeholders from all the state’s geopolitical zones ensured that local voices were heard. This, they say, helps align the budget with real community needs rather than top-down assumptions.

From a governance perspective, local leaders describe the 2026 budget as a sign that Makinde’s administration continues to evolve in its institutional maturity. They commend his team for proposing robust fiscal discipline, prioritising internally generated revenue, and balancing recurrent costs with capital projects.

The LG chairmen also call attention to how the budget could strengthen decentralisation. By prioritising local infrastructure and capacity-building, they believe the state is decentralising growth—not just through rhetoric, but through actual resource distribution, which could enhance service delivery at the grassroots level.

However, the chairmen also emphasised the importance of accountability and follow-through. They urged the state government to ensure that budgeted projects are executed transparently, with regular reports to the LG councils. They noted that a well-funded budget only makes an impact if it translates into real, visible improvements on the ground.

Looking ahead, the chairmen said they would partner closely with the state government to oversee implementation. They committed to monitoring the roll-out of priorities earmarked in the budget and to playing a key role in mobilising local support for infrastructure, education and health initiatives.

In their view, Makinde’s 2026 budget is more than a financial plan—it is a vision for a modern, inclusive and forward-moving Oyo State. With strong collaboration between state and local government, they believe the fiscal year ahead could mark a significant leap in the state’s development trajectory.