Date: 2020-12-15

PROTOCOLS.

Honourable Speaker,

Honourable Members of the Kwara State House of Assembly.

It is with a grateful heart to God Almighty that I stand before you today in this hallowed chamber to present the Budget proposal of the Kwara State Government for the 2021 financial year for consideration and approval.

2.?On behalf of the executive arm of government, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to Mr. Speaker and all the Honourable members of this House of Assembly for your cooperation, commitment and support for this administration as we work together to fulfil our obligations to the good people of Kwara State.

3.? About a year ago, I was in this hallowed legislative chamber to present the draft 2020 estimates which you speedily and graciously considered and passed in no distant time; this was quite commendable. This is an attestation to your legislative commitment to maintain January –December fiscal year budget cycle process.

? 4. ?Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members of the House, the outgoing year has been a challenging year as a result of the present economic downturn in Nigeria. This was triggered by a combination of declining oil price and spillovers from the Covid-19 outbreak, which not only led to a fall in the demand for oil products but also stopped economic activities from taking place when social distancing and lockdown policies were enforced. The effect was low revenue to federation account and by extension to the States of the federation.

5.?Consequently, the State government responded swiftly to tackle the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic in the State and reduced the number of casualties to the barest minimum through provision of healthcare facilities as well as putting some measures in place to contain the disease. As a result of the State’s quick response to Covid-19 pandemic, Kwara was ranked fourth (4th) among the States in the country as the most prepared State for health emergencies, according to a health Preparedness Index report published recently.

6.? In spite of the harsh economic situation in the country in particular and the world in general, Kwara State has prioritised constant and timely payment of Monthly Salaries, allowances,Pensions and Gratuities. We have been able to manage the available meagre resources in the State judiciously to meet up our obligations to the good people of Kwara State. Therefore, in our quest for a better Kwara State for all and sundry, I want to assure our people that in spite of the present Economic situation in the Country, better days are still ahead. It is our desire to leave Kwara State better than we met it.

7.? Mr. Speaker, distinguished Honourable members, before going into the highlights of the 2021 Budget proposal, I will like to give a review of the 2020 Budget implementation performance.

REVIEW OF THE 2020 BUDGET PERFORMANCE

8.? Mr. Speaker, Honourable members of the House of Assembly, you will recall that the initial approved 2020 budget of ‘Reconstruction and Reformation’ by this honourable House was One hundred and Sixty-two billion, four hundred and eighty-seven million, Six hundred and Sixty-six thousand, One hundred and seventy naira (N162,487,666,170). This was later amended and revised downward by 29.5% to One hundred and fourteen billion, Six hundred and Sixty-four million, Seven hundred and seven thousand, nine hundred and Sixty-nine naira (N114,664,707,969). This was in response to recent fiscal pressures arising from Covid-19 pandemic that triggered global economic downturn. The state was not insulated from the economic crisis. This led to us responding promptly to health and economic challenges caused by Covid-19 pandemic through implementation of some programmes/projects to cushion the negative impact of the public health emergency.

9.? Despite the challenges, we remain focused on the implementation of the revised budget by meeting obligations paramount to good governance. I am pleased to report that we have made modest progress in the implementation of 2020 revised budget based on our available financial resources profile.

10.? As at 30th September, 2020, the total revenue collected, including the capital receipts and opening balance from January to September, 2020, stood at Sixty-seven billion, eight hundred and thirty-four million, Eight hundred and Seventy-eight thousand, eight hundred and forty-two naira (N67, 834,878,842). This represents 78.8% performance of the prorata target estimate of Eighty-five billion, Nine hundred and ninety-eight million, Five hundred and thirty thousand, Nine hundred and seventy-seven Naira (N85,998,530,977) for nine months of the revised budget. Out of this amount, a total sum of Thirty-five billion, six hundred and Thirty-four million, seven hundred and Ninety-four thousand, three hundred and Eighty-five naira (N35,634,794,385) or 41.4% was from federation account while the sum of Thirteen billion, four hundred and seventy-seven million, one hundred and Ninety-three thousand, nine hundred and seventy-five naira (N13.477, 193,975) or 15.7% was from internally generated revenue. A total sum of Eleven billion, One hundred and Eighty-five million, nine hundred and seventeen thousand, five hundred and seventy-two naira (N11,185,917,572) or 13% was from capital receipt while seven billion, four hundred and nine million, Ninety-eight thousand, thirty five naira (N7, 409,098,035) or 8.6% was from opening balance brought forward from last fiscal year and One hundred and Twenty-seven million, Eight hundred and seventy-four thousand, eight hundred and seventy-five naira (N 127,874,875) or 0.1% was income from other internal sources to the state government.

11.?On the expenditure side, as at end of September 2020, a total sum of Fifty-six billion, Eight hundred and Twelve million, Nine hundred and Fourteen thousand, Four hundred and Twenty-seven naira (N56,812,914,427) or 66% was spent as against the prorate expenditure ofEighty-five billion, Nine hundred and Ninety-eight million, Five hundred and Thirty thousand, Nine hundred and Seventy-seven naira (N85,998,530,977)for nine months of the revised budget. Out of this amount, the total recurrent cost including the debt service, personnel and overhead wasThirty nine billion, nine hundred and nineteen million nine hundred and forty nine thousand, five hundred and twenty nine naira (N39, 919,949,529), or 46.4%, while the capital expenditure was Sixteen billion, Eight hundred and Ninety-two million, Nine hundred and Sixty-four thousand, Eight hundred and Ninety-eight naira (N16, 892,964,898) or 19.6%.

12.? Mr. Speaker and Honourable members, I wish to emphasise that revenue generation is very crucial to budget implementation and this is a major challenge to our developmental efforts in the state. However, government is determined to tackle the problems associated with low revenue generation in the state as you will have observed from the above analysis that the bulk of revenue realised so far within the year was from the federation account.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE 2020 FINANCIAL YEAR

13.?Since the inception of this administration, we have been able to implement priority programmes and projects that have direct impact on the lives of the citizens.

Agriculture

14.? In agriculture, we recorded appreciable success in ensuring food security through the tractor leasing programme for the farmers throughout the state at subsidised rate of N10, 000/Hectare/operation to boost massive food production through increased Hectarage cultivation of land. The state government has completed the enumeration of herdsmen and Needs assessment on the Livestock Transformation Plan designed to set up a standard animal farm (Kwara Cattle Ranch) in the Kwara North senatorial district in order to prevent conflict between pastoralists and crop farmers. Comprehensive Agricultural Master Plan was developed during the outgoing year as a major instrument for agricultural development road map in the state. As part of palliative programme for farmers in the state due to the effects of Covid-19 pandemic, the State government freely distributed hybrid cocoa seedlings to about five hundred (500) farmers drawn across the cocoa producing local government areas of Irepodun, Isin, Oke-Ero, Ekiti, Ifelodun, Asa, Oyun and Offa.

Works

15.?The Seventy-two ongoing road projects in different parts of the state received attention during the outgoing year. Out of this Seventy-two road projects, fifty roads were inherited from the past administration while twenty-two roads were initiated by this present administration. Thirty-two roads out of the Seventy-two ongoing roads have been completed while others are at different stages of completion. The Kwara State Road Maintenance Agency (KWARMA) also intervened in thirty-five (35) roads across the three senatorial districts of the state. Two firefighting equipment were procured for the state fire service station in order to improve their efficiency in saving lives and properties lost through fire occurrences. The state has achieved the prioritisation of 500km of rural roads for the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) aimed at opening up rural areas and markets for easy movement of agricultural produce to the urban areas. Meanwhile, the state government paid a sum of two hundred million naira as counterpart fund for the project which is expected to kick-start in the first quarter of 2021.

Energy

16.? In order to boost energy supply for improved socio-economic activity in the state, Twenty (20) transformers of various capacity were purchased and installed in different communities across the state. In the same vein, some towns and villages across the state were connected to national grid electricity supply as well as provision of injection substation and dedicated lines to some areas in the State.

Health

17.?The state government was able to record tremendous success in all key areas of health care service delivery during the outgoing year, especially the containment of the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak in the state through the conversion of Sobi Specialist Hospital to Covid-19 infectious disease centre. This centre provides service delivery base, treatment, testing and intensive care services for people diagnosed with covid-19. Some other areas of intervention by the state government in health sector include:

?Infrastructural rehabilitation of both primary and secondary health care delivery facilities across the state.

? Procurement and distribution of malaria commodities, provision of free malaria services to 450 functional public health facilities both primary and secondary, 7 tertiary institutions, military and police health facilities

? Community nutritional intervention for pregnant and lactating mothers, children under 5 years and adolescent.

? Capacity building for the basic health care provision fund.

? Construction of additional 15 rooms to provide decent living environment for the inmate of Oke-Igbala leprosarium in collaboration with the Damien foundation, Belgium .

? Free state-wide surgical intervention service was undertaken across the 16 LGAs of the state in designated hospitals. A total of 640 beneficiaries had general surgeries like removal of growth, swelling and lump while 160 persons had their sight restored through cataract extraction surgery.

? Free Breast and Cervical cancer screening of all women was undertaken across the 16 LGAs

? Procurement and distribution of Anti-snake venom to all health facilities in the state.

? Renovation of the Oxygen plant at Sobi Specialist Hospital for an improved performance to serve all the state hospitals and nearby states.

? Active surveillance activities for disease outbreak in the state.

? Procurement of ambulance and medical equipment for the isolation center at the Infectious Disease Centre, Sobi, Ilorin.

Education

18.? The importance of education to the overall development of the state cannot be overemphasised. To this extent, provision of functional and accessible education is one of the priority areas of this administration. In the outgoing year, the state government continued with the renovation of 43 public schools across the three senatorial districts of the state. Out of these schools being renovated, 15 Schools have been completed while 28 Schools are at various stages of completion. The state government supported the Tertiary Institutions through the release of fund for various accreditation programmes in Kwara State University, Malete, Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa; Kwara State College of Education (Technical) Lafiagi and College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies, Ilorin while fund was released for the repair of office buildings at Kwara State College of Nursing, Oke-Ode and College of Education (Technical) Lafiagi.

Water Supply

19.? The state government is committed to provision of safe, potable and adequate water supply to every nook and crannies of the state. In realisation of this policy objective during the outgoing year, 921 existing boreholes were rehabilitated while 83 new ones were drilled across the state. Rehabilitation of 3 water works (Patigi, Lafiagi and Igbaja) was carried out while that of Oyun water works is currently on-going. Work has begun on the construction of new Jebba water works, while rehabilitation of "UP KWARA" water tanks within Ilorin metropolis and reticulation/distribution of pipes within Ilorin metropolis were carried out.

Environment

20.? In the outgoing year, the Ministry of Environment was able to sustain city beautification through regular maintenance of road median, set-back and city roundabouts within Ilorin metropolis. Desilting of drainages was carried out in the following locations: Adeta, Pakata, Mubo/Muritala, Niger/Ita-Amodu, Oja-Oba/Omoda, Ajikobi/Sefura, Emir’s road, Gambari/ Akerebiata, Pipe line, Agric/Sango, Olorunsogo Gaa-Akanbi etc. The state government also embarked on dredging of Asa River from Isale-koko to Harmony bridge, then Isale-koko to Harmony canal for effective control of flood and erosion. Fabricated and galvanised roll-on roll-off bins were provided for dumping waste in the metropolis.

Enterprise

21.?In a bid to promote skill development among our youth and other citizens in information communication technology, the state government commenced the construction of innovation hub ICT Center in Ilorin during the outgoing year. The state government supported the development of SMEs, market women businesses, transporters and artisans in the state through the provision of loan by the Kwara State Social Investment Scheme during the outgoing year. The sheabutter processing plant in Kaiama was completed and commissioned during the year.

Communications

22.?The Ministry of Communications continued its responsibility of disseminating information on the programmes and activities of government in order to bridge the information gap between the government and the governed. To improve on the statutory functions of Radio Kwara, basic equipment were purchased for both Am and Fm stations, while construction of radio studio at Okuta in Baruten LGA is in progress. In addition, construction of Visual Art Centre commenced during the outgoing year. This is to boost creative industry in the state and provide more opportunities for Kwara Artists to showcase their products as well as promote tourism and create jobs.

General Public Service

23.? The state government is committed to a vibrant, proactive, result oriented and responsive civil service capable of dealing with emerging challenges in the overall development of the state. In the outgoing year, apart from ensuring prompt payment of salaries and allowances of the civil servants, government also ensured capacity building through training and retraining of various categories of civil servants via seminars, workshops and conferences. Furthermore, civil servants seeking higher degree were provided with financial and moral support. In addition, a total number of 1,737 civil servants were approved for 2019 promotion exercise in the state.

THE STATE FISCAL TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY ANDSUSTAINABILITY (SFTAS) PROGRAMME FOR RESULTS (P FOR R)

24.? The State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability Programme is a World Bank assisted project aimed at supporting states of the federation to implement the 22-point Fiscal Sustainability Plan and the Open Government Partnership Agenda to strengthen state level fiscal transparency, accountability and sustainability. It is a 4 year programme spanning 2018-2022. It is important to inform this Honourable House that the state was able to meet the Eligibility Criteria and 5 out of 14 Disbursement Linked Result that qualified the state to attract the sum of USD 5 million with the naira equivalent of N1.8 billion for the 2018 performance year. In addition, the state attracted the disbursement of USD 5 million with the naira equivalent of N1.9 billion for the 2020 amended Covid-19 responsive budget that came up in July, 2020. We are still looking forward to the disbursement of 2019 performance year before the end of the year, 2020.

25. Mr. Speaker, Honourable members, we were able to accomplish all these in the outgoing financial year despite revenue challenges occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic mentioned earlier.

THE 2021 BUDGET OUTLOOK

26.?Mr. Speaker, Honourable members, the budget that I have the honour to present today is a blueprint for accelerating the pace of economic recovery from Covid-19 pandemic which had slowed down the economic growth of the state during the outgoing year. The proposed 2021 Budget is therefore designed and prepared amidst the economic challenges to birth new programmes and projects that will resuscitate the state’s economy through infrastructure investment, improved business environment for investors, reduced rate of unemployment among our youths, poverty alleviation, food security and livelihood support to poor and vulnerable households in the state. In line with this, the proposed 2021 Budget is tagged "Budget of Reformation for Inclusive Growth".

27.?This theme is borne out of our determination to ensure that the state economy is restored to the path of growth through the initiation of a system-wide programmes and projects that create employment opportunities and reduce poverty. We intend to achieve this by empowering people through functional education, skill acquisition development, strengthened agricultural value chain, improved health care service delivery system as well as industrial development.

28.? Based on these aspirations, the proposed 2021 Budget is hinged on the following specific objectives.

1. To reduce cost of governance through institutional reforms and ensure enhanced funding towards capital investment that stimulates economic growth.

2. To significantly reduce youth unemployment through direct jobs, public works and entrepreneurship development.

3. To provide a more conducive business friendly and secured environment for investors through provision of socio-economic infrastructure development for enhanced productivity in the state economy.

4. To expand the productive base of the state economy through increased agricultural value chain and industrial development.

29. Mr. Speaker, Honourable members, I wish to inform you that in the course of 2021 budget formulation process, we sought inputs from various stakeholders through the Town-Hall meetings held throughout the three senatorial districts of the state. This is in conformity with the World Bank standard and global best practices to involve citizens in the budget process, thereby providing opportunity for them to have a say in the process of governance.

KEY PARAMETERS AND FISCAL ASSUMPTIONS UNDERPINNING THE PROPOSED 2021 BUDGET

30.? Mr. Speaker, Honourable members of House of Assembly, the proposed 2021 budget is built on Zero-Based Budgeting principle to ensure prudent utilisation of our revenue. However, the state 2021-2023 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) set out the parameters for the proposed 2021 Budget, as adopted by the federal government, which include:

a) Benchmark oil price of 40 US Dollars per barrel;

b) Daily oil production estimate of 1.86 million barrels (inclusive of Condensates of 300,000 to 400,000 barrels per day);

c) Exchange rate of N379 per US Dollar; and

d) GDP growth projected at 3.0 percent and inflation closing at 11.95 percent.

31.? Mr. Speaker, Honourable members, the size of the proposed 2021 Budget is One Hundred and Twenty-three billion, Ninety-one million, three hundred and Seven thousand, Four-Hundred and Sixty Eight naira (N123, 091,307,468). This shows an increase of Eight billion, Four Hundred and Twenty-Six million, Five Hundred and ninety-Nine Thousand, Four Hundred and Ninety-Nine naira (N 8,426, 599,499). This represents an increase of 7.35% over the 2020 revised budget. Our determination to improve the quality of life of the citizens and to ensure that there is inclusive growth informed the increase.

SOURCES OF 2021 REVENUE ESTIMATE

32. ? Based on the fiscal assumptions and parameters as earlier mentioned, the sum of One Hundred and Twenty-three billion, Ninety-one million, Three hundred and Seven thousand, Four-Hundred and Sixty Eightnaira (N123, 091,307,468) is estimated as the total state government revenue in 2021 fiscal year which comprises the following:

a) Statutory Allocation: This is the state’s share of collectable oil revenue from the Federation Account which is estimated at Thirty-five billion, Two hundred and Two million, One hundred and Sixteen thousand, Eight hundred and forty naira (N35, 202,116,840) or 28.6percent of the total revenue.

b) Value Added Tax: The estimated VAT receipt is Fourteen billion, Six hundred and Thirteen million, Three hundred and Fifteen thousand, Four hundred and Nine naira (N 14,613,315,409) or 11.9 percent

c) Other Sundry Revenue from FAAC: The estimated Sundry revenue from the federation Account is Four billion, Seven hundred and Ninety-two million, One hundred and Nineteen thousand, Five Hundred and Fifty-one naira (N 4,792,119,551 ) or 3.9 percent.

d) Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) The estimated internally generated revenue is Twenty-Eight billion, Seven hundred and Fifty-four million, Two hundred and Eighteen thousand, Three hundred and Seventy-four naira (N 28,754,218,374) or 23.4 percent.

e) Income from other Sundry Internal Sources:- This is estimated at One hundred and Ninety-three million, Three hundred and Twenty-two thousand Six hundred and forty-six naira (N 193,322,646) or 0.2percent.

f) Aid and Grants: This source is estimated at Sixteen billion, four hundred and Twenty Seven million, One hundred and Eighty-two thousand, Two hundred and Eight naira (N 16,427,182,208) or 13.3percent.

g) Other Capital Receipts: This source is estimated at Nine Billion, Four hundred and Fifty-eight million, Thirty-two thousand, Four hundred and forty naira (N 9,458,032,440) or 7.7 percent.

h) There is opening balance of Thirteen billion Six hundred and Fifty-one million naira (N 13,651,000,000) or 11 percent.

PLANNED AGGREGATE EXPENDITURE OF 2021 ESTIMATE

33. An aggregate expenditure of One Hundred and Twenty-three billion, Ninety-one million, Three hundred and Seven thousand, Four-Hundred and Sixty Eight (N123, 091,307,468) is proposed for the government of Kwara State in 2021 fiscal year. The expenditure estimate includes non-debt recurrent expenditure of Fifty-nine billion, Nine hundred and Seventy six million, one hundred and Sixty Three thousand, One hundred and Eighty-Six naira (N 59,976,163,186) or 48.7 percent. Debt Services is estimated atSix billion, Seven hundred and Thirteen million, Twenty-eight thousand One hundred and Eighty-Five naira (N 6,713,028,185) or 5.4 percent making a total sum of Sixty-six billion Six hundred and Eighty-Nine million, One hundred and ninety-one thousand, Three hundred and Seventy-one naira (N 66,689,191,371) for recurrent expenditure and this represent 54 percent of the aggregate expenditure, while a total sum of Fifty-Six Billion, Four hundred and Two million, One hundred and Sixteen thousand and Ninety-Seven naira (N 56,402,116,097) is for capital expenditure which represents 46 percent of the total expenditure.

RECURRENT EXPENDITURE

34.?The total recurrent expenditure for the 2021 fiscal year is estimated at Sixty-six billion Six hundred and Eighty-Nine million, One hundred and Ninety-One thousand, and Three hundred and Seventy-Onenaira (N 66,689,191,371). It includes the following components:

a) Personnel Cost:- A total sum of Fourteen Billion, Five hundred and Seventy-eight million, Two hundred and Seventy-five thousand, One hundred and Eighty naira (N 14,578,275,180) or 21.9 percent is estimated for personnel cost of Ministries Departments and Agencies, while salaries and allowances of Parastatals/Tertiary Institutions is Eight Billion, Six hundred and Ten Million, Seven hundred and Twelve thousand, Nine hundred and Ninety-two naira (8,610,712,992) or 12.9 percent.

b) Overhead Cost: – This include subvention to Parastatals and Tertiary Institutions’ over-head as well as operational cost for the Ministries, Departments and Agencies. It is estimated at a total sum of Twenty-Six billion, Twenty-Seven Million, Two Hundred and Thirty-TwoThounsand, Four hundred and Two Naira, (N 26,027,232,402) or 39percent of recurrent expenditure.

c) Other Consolidated Revenue Fund Charges:- It is estimated at Ten billion, Seven hundred and Fifty-nine million, Nine hundred and Forty-two thousand Six hundred and Twelve-naira(N 10,759,942,612) or16.2 percent of recurrent expenditure.

d) Debt Service Charges: It is estimated at Six billion, Seven hundred and Thirteen million, Twenty-eight thousand, One hundred and Eighty-five naira (N 6,713,028,185) or 10.1 Percent and 5.4 percent of the total budget size expenditure.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

35.?The total Capital Expenditure, including the transfer from recurrent budget surplus, is estimated at Fifty-six billion, Four hundred and Two millionOne Hundred and Sixteen thousand, ninety Seven naira (N56,402,116,097) or 46 percent of the aggregate expenditure for the 2021 fiscal year. An increase of 19% percent recorded as against the Capital expenditure of the outgoing year revised budget. This increase reflects this administration’s commitment to stimulate the state economy for inclusive growth.

36.? Mr. Speaker, Honourable members, the summary sectoral allocation of the proposed 2021 recurrent and capital expenditure based on functions and the percentages to the total budget size is as follows:

i. General Public Services: Thirty-Two billion, Six hundred and Sixtymillion, Nine hundred and Fifty-seven thousand, Nine hundred and Forty-one naira (N32,660,957,941) or 26.5 percent.

ii. Public Order and Safety: Two billion, Three hundred and Eighty-three million, Nine hundred and Seventy-nine thousand, One hundred and Twenty-one naira (N2,383,979,121) or 1.9 percent.

iii. Economic Affairs: Thirty-one billion, Five hundred and Eighty-eight million, Two thousand, Six hundred and Ten naira (N31,588,002,610) or 25.7 percent. iv. Environmental Protection: One billion, Six hundred and Thirteen million, Six hundred and Fifty-eight thousand, Seven hundred and Eighty-five naira (N1,613,658,785) or 1.3 percent.

v. Housing and Community Amenities: Three billion, Seventeen million, One hundred and Sixty-Eight thousand, Eight Hundred and Forty-Two naira (N3,17,168,842) or

2.5 percent.

vi. Health: Sixteen billion, Eight hundred and Ninety-Nine million, Seven hundred and Sixty-five thousand, Nine hundred and Six naira (N16,899,765,906) or 13.7 percent.

vii. Recreation, Culture and Religion: Three billion, Two hundred andSixty-six million, Eight hundred and Forty-seven thousand Nine hundred and Forty-four naira (N3,266,847,944) or 2.4 percent.

viii. Education: Thirty-one billion, Three hundred and Ninety-Twomillion, Four hundred and Fifty-nine thousand, One hundred and Forty-nine naira (N31,392,459,149) or 25.5 percent.

ix. Social Protection: Two hundred and Sixty-eight million, Four hundred and Sixty-seven thousand, One hundred and Seventy naira (N268, 467,170) or 0.2 percent.

HIGHLIGHTS OF SOME SECTORAL PROGRAMMES AND CAPITAL PROJECTS OF THE PROPOSED 2021 BUDGET

37.? Mr. Speaker, Honourable members, let me at this juncture intimate you with some sectoral programmes and capital projects as contained in the proposed 2021 budget.

Agriculture

38.? As part of our desire to boost food production and ensure food security in the state, effort will be geared towards procurements of farm machineries and equipment that will enhance mechanised farming in the state during the 2021 fiscal year. The state government will also procure fertiliser to ensure availability and affordability of quality fertilisers to farmers for realisation of bumper harvest of food crops in the state.

39.? In addition, the state government in partnership with World Bank and the Federal Government through the Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement And Livelihood Improvement Support Project (APPEALS) will provide assistance to small and medium scale farmers in the areas of productivity and livelihood enhancement as well as value addition improvement of maize, cashew, Rice and poultry enterprises, which will fully commence in 2021 fiscal year. Furthermore, the state government in partnership with ARMTI will ensure the training of our farmers across the state for improved productivity. The total sum of Three Billion, Six hundred and Ninety-eight million, Five hundred and Fifty-four thousand, Eighty-four naira (N 3, 698,554,084) is allocated for capital projects for Ministry ofAgricultural and Rural Development in 2021 fiscal year.

Energy

40.?In order to ensure improved power supply to every nook and crannies of the state, priority power projects will be embarked upon to boost socio-economic activities of the state. To this end, a total sum of Four hundred and Ninety-nine million, Eight hundred and Ninety-two thousand, and Seventy-six naira (N-499,892,076) is earmarked for the capital projects in energy sub-sector in 2021 fiscal year.

Works

41.?In line with our commitment to invest in road infrastructure, capital allocation to the ministry of works is to facilitate the completion of on-going road projects and to initiate new road projects for construction/rehabilitation so as to improve socio-economic activities and to attract investments that will combat unemployment and alleviate poverty at various levels in the state. A total sum of Seven billion, Six hundred million, One hundred and Seventy-eight thousand, Three hundred and Seventy-one naira (N7, 600,178,371) is allocated to capital projects in this Ministry.

Water Supply

42.? We remain committed to provision of potable water across the state in the 2021 fiscal year. Projects to be implemented across the state in 2021 fiscal year include: Tertiary reticulation project, Borehole strategic intervention scheme, Rehabilitation of waterworks, Dredging of dams, Construction of VIP toilets as well as provision of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene facilities. A total sum of One billion, Two hundred and Fifty million, One hundred and Eighty-eight thousand, Six hundred and Eighty-six naira (N 1,250,188,686) will be spent on water infrastructure facilities in 2021 fiscal year.

Environment

43.?In our effort to prevent indiscriminate defecation in the state, government will ensure the provision of more modern public toilets in strategic areas across the state, while erosion and flood control through desilting of drainages, channelisation and dredging of ecological problem areas will be given adequate attention it deserves in 2021 fiscal year. In addition, mop-up of wastes along major rivers and maintenance of dumpsites for efficient waste management will be intensified. Furthermore, more dumpsites will be acquired as well as provision of modern Roll-on- Roll-off bins. Also effective forest construction and preservation programmes will be conducted in response to climate change mitigation and adaptation in the state during the 2021 fiscal year. A total sum of One billion, One hundred and Seven million, Eight hundred and Ninety-seven thousand, One hundred and Thirty-four naira (N1, 107,897,134) is allocated to capital projects of this sector.

Communications

44.?Government will continue to develop the technical capacity of the Ministry of Communications to facilitate a two-way flow of information from the grass roots to the government and vice-versa. In realisation of this vision, the three media houses will be given adequate attention to be able to disseminate information to the citizens of the state. In addition, the construction of Visual Arts Centre which commenced this year will be completed in the 2021 fiscal year. A total sum of Nine hundred and Forty-Two million, Eight hundred and Seventy thousand, and Three hundred and One naira (N942,870,301) has been allocated to various capital projects of this Ministry in 2021 fiscal year.

Sports

45.?In the 2021 fiscal year, government will intensify efforts to invest in sports and youth programmes in order to address youth restiveness and reduce unemployment in the state. To this end, a total sum of One billion, Three hundred and Seventy-six million, Six hundred and Seventy-five thousand, Three hundred and Seventy-four naira (N1,376,675,374) is earmarked for capital projects in sports and youth programmes in 2021 fiscal year.

Education

46.?Investment in education remains the major focus of this administration as it is the veritable tool for human capital development and reducing poverty in the society. In addition, functional education holds the promise of getting more youth into jobs and entrepreneurship. Efforts will be geared toward upgrading our education facilities for effective teaching and learning. The major initiatives planned for execution in 2021 are:

1. Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Junior and Senior Secondary Schools across the three senatorial districts of the state.

2. Revitalisation of Education Management Information System (EMIS) through the purchase of vital equipment and internet facilities for data collection from public and private secondary schools in the state.

3. Provision of furniture and equipment for Teaching Service Commission headquarters for improved working environment for the staff so as to enhance effective and efficient performance.

47.?Furthermore, capacity building of teachers will be accorded high priority for effective and efficient teaching in our schools. Government will continue to support the state owned Tertiary Institutions through accreditation exercise and infrastructural development to make them true centres of excellence. The state bursary and scholarship programmes will be sustained so as to assist needy families and students. A total sum of Thirteen Billion, Nine hundred and Twenty-Eight million, Eighty-four thousand, One hundred and Fifty-seven naira (N13, 928,084,157) is allocated to this sector for capital projects. Health

48.?The major focus of the Ministry of Health in the 2021 fiscal year includes: ? Sustain the tempo of infrastructure rehabilitation of health facilities especially the secondary health care facilities across the state.

? Capacity building for all categories of health workers to be able to deliver qualitative health service delivery.

? Provision of equipment and complimentary furniture to support effective service delivery.

49.?Based on these objectives, the planned intervention for health sector in 2021 fiscal year are as follows:

1. Rehabilitation of Hospitals/Health care centre across the state.

2. Provision of Health equipment to Hospitals/Health care centres and medical equipment for laboratories in General Hospitals.

3. Procurement of Hearse Ambulance

4. Covid-19 plus programme

5. Malaria free Kwara programme

6. Kwara Health insurance programme

A total sum of Thirteen Billion, Seventy-five million, Thirty-six thousand, Eighty-seven naira (N13,075,036,087) is earmarked for the capital project in health sector.

COVID-19 ACTION RECOVERY AND ECONOMIC STIMULUS (CARES) PROGRAMME FOR RESULTS

50..Mr. Speaker, Honourable members, we are all aware of covid-19 pandemic and its attendant effect on the economy and livelihood of the citizens in the country in general and the state in particular. To mitigate against the effect of covid-19 pandemic in the next two years, the World Bank has proposed a new project called Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (CARES).

51..This project is specifically designed to cushion the effects of the covid-19 pandemic in all the thirty-six (36) states of the federation. I am happy to inform you of the state government willingness to key in to the programme for job creation and other areas of intervention in which 68,179 citizens across the State will benefit from the project for the next two years in order to facilitate economic recovery from covid-19 pandemic effects.

General Public Service

52..This administration will continue to accord the civil service its pride of place as a veritable tool for implementing government policies and programmes. Despite this challenging period, we shall continue to fulfil our obligations of regular payment of salaries and allowances as at when due, including pensions and gratuity commitments. We shall continue to encourage and promote training and retraining as well as regular promotion exercise of our Civil Servants, including teaching staff in our public schools in order to build a highly skilled and vibrant workforce for the purpose of providing quality service to the good people of the state.

53.. Mr. Speaker, Honourable members, permit me to reiterate our commitment to reduce the level of poverty in the state through the provision of jobs and empowerment initiatives for our youth across the state in collaboration with World Bank and other development partners.

Conclusion

54..Mr. Speaker, Honourable members of the House, let me at this juncture assure you that we shall play our part to ensure that the proposed 2021 budget will be objectively implemented in order to achieve the desired goals. I wish to express my appreciation to the entire people of this state for their support, understanding and for remaining law abiding. I also like to thank our Royal Fathers for their fatherly advice, goodwill and prayers. My gratitude goes to our religious leaders, professional organisations, women organisations, youth groups, civil society organisations as well as community based organisations in the state for your support and demonstration of confidence in this administration.

55..Finally, let me once again express my gratitude and deep appreciation to Mr. Speaker and the Honourable members of this distinguished legislative chamber for your cooperation, unflinching support and wonderful understanding with which we have related. We need to sustain this cooperation between the Executive and the Legislature in the interest of overall development of this state. I thank you all for your kind attention and wish you all happy and prosperous new year in advance.

56..It is with great pleasure, therefore, that I lay before this Honourable House the 2021 Budget proposal of Kwara State Government and pray the Honourable members of the Kwara State House of Assembly to pass the same into law.

57..Thank you all. God bless our State and our great country, Nigeria.

Kwara State Government

Kwara State Government House,

Ahmadu Bello Way, G.R.A Ilorin