FactCheck: Is The 2025 Budget of Oyo State Governor’s Office Padded?
A post by StatiSense; a digital Data tech outfit on the social media platform ‘X’ at exactly 4:07 PM on February 13, 2025, lists States in Nigeria with respect to the size of their respective Governor’s Office budgets as shown below.
The debate over whether the budget of the Oyo State Governor’s Office is huge has since stirred discussions among Nigerians. Following the release of the budget breakdown, many have expressed concerns regarding the perceived extravagance of the office. However, a closer look at the budget indicates that the Office of the Executive Governor oversees numerous agencies and departments, which may justify the significant allocation of funds.
To start with, it’s important to recognize that the Office of the Executive Governor encompasses about 27 agencies and departments, each with its unique mandates and responsibilities. These agencies include:
1. Oyo State Security Trust Fund
2. Oyo State Infrastructure Management and Control Agency
3. Oyo State Gaming Board
4. Oyo State Solid Minerals Development Agency
5. Oyo State Water Corporation Board
6. Oyo State Public Corporation Commission
7. Oyo State Rural Electrification Board
8. Bureau of Public Procurement
9. Oyo State Investment and Public Private Partnership Agency
10. Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State
11. Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency
12. Sustainable Development Goals
13. Government House
14. Protocol
15. Pilgrims Welfare Board (Christian and Muslims)
16. State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA)
17. Management Information Centre
18. Oyo State Fire Service
19. South West Security Outfit (Amotekun)
20. Agency for People Living with Disability
21. Oyo State Liaison Office (Abuja & Lagos)
22. OYSADA
23. OYMASED
Additionally, the supporting departments include:
1. Cabinet
2. Admin & Supplies
3. Special Services
4. Finance & Accounts
These agencies are responsible for essential aspects of governance, including security, infrastructure development, solid minerals management, and public procurement. The large number of agencies and departments under the Governor’s Office highlights the complexity of governance and the necessity for sufficient funding to ensure their effective functioning.
Moreover, the Oyo State Governor’s Office includes budgets that fall under its purview, as all funding and oversight stem from this office. This practice is standard at both federal and state levels, emphasizing that similar structures exist throughout the country.
Furthermore, it is crucial to understand that the budget for the Oyo State Governor’s Office is not designed solely for the personal benefit of the Governor or the office itself. Rather, it aims to support the various agencies and departments that deliver critical services to the people of Oyo State. Therefore, the budget reflects the state’s commitment to providing essential services such as security, healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
In conclusion, while the Oyo State Governor’s Office budget may appear substantial at first glance, a detailed examination reveals that it is justified by the extensive number of agencies and departments under the office. Rather than labelling the budget as huge, we should recognize the vital role that the Oyo State Governor’s Office plays in delivering essential services to its residents. Ultimately, the budget reflects the state’s commitment to good governance and the welfare of its citizens.
Oladayo Ogunbowale is Special Assistant (Communications) to Governor ’Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.