The Oyo State Government has begun its preparations for the 2025 fiscal year by launching a specialised training programme for senior officers from the 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the state. The initiative is aimed at improving budget preparation processes at the grassroots level.
Held over four days at the Local Government Staff Training School within the State Secretariat in Ibadan, the training was structured to bring local budgeting practices in line with the National Chart of Accounts (NCOA). This alignment is expected to promote greater transparency, accountability, and consistency in the financial planning of all councils.
During the event, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, praised the foresight of the current administration under Governor Seyi Makinde. He highlighted that the training embodies the government’s continued dedication to good governance and efficient service delivery at the local level.
In his own address, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Prof. Musbau Babatunde, echoed this sentiment, reaffirming the state’s commitment to uniform and effective budget practices across all tiers of government, particularly within the LGAs.
Lead consultant Dr Ayuba Onifade, who also spoke at the event, commended the efforts of both ministries involved in organising the programme. He explained that the training aimed to empower local government officers with the knowledge and tools necessary to prepare the 2025 budget in accordance with national guidelines.
This capacity-building initiative is expected to strengthen the skills of local officials and facilitate the timely, accurate preparation of budgets that meet established national standards.