PUTTING EDO STATE ON A STEADY PATH TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

(TEXT OF THE 2011 EDO STATE BUDGET PROPOSALPRESENTED BY COMRADE ADAMS ALIYU OSHIOMHOLE, GOVERNOR OF EDO STATE, TO THE EDO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY ON 1ST DECEMBER, 2010)

The Hon. Speaker
Hon. Members of the House
Distinguished Ladies & Gentlemen

I wish to thank Mr. Speaker and the Honourable Members for giving me the opportunity to present the Edo State 2011 Budget Proposal for consideration by the Edo State House of Assembly. Allow me, Mr. Speaker, to use this occasion to renew my profound gratitude for your support and partnership. It is worthy to acknowledge that the Edo State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Bright Omokhodion, has helped to drive and deepen critical policy initiatives that have accelerated the all-round progress of Edo State, particularly in the last one year.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Mr. Speaker, permit to proceed by sharing with you a review of the 2010 budget. As you recall, the House approved a budget figure of N101 billion, with the following budget objectives:

- infrastructural renewal of the State;
- improvement in human capital development and overall human welfare;
- economic empowerment of the people through job creation and enhanced opportunities for sustainable livelihood;
- consolidating the processes for popular participation in governance and development.

In order to meet these objectives, the House similarly approved N62.56 billion recurrent revenue, made up of:

- N44.56 billion from the federation account;
- N18.0 billion internally generated revenue.

However, we were not able to realise the projected revenue despite the best of efforts. As at the end of third quarter of 2010, the total recurrent revenue stood at about N39.76billion. Of this amount, the revenue from the federation account stood at about N30.50 billion.

In addition, the actual internally generated revenue receipts amounted to N9.26 billion as at the end of the third quarter of 2010. Although the 2010 performance falls below our projections for the same period, it is a remarkable 49% improvement over the 2009 figures. This improvement is a testimony to the conscious and creative strategies we deployed towards deepening the internal component of our revenue.

This improvement in our IGR has been made possible by the very positive disposition and cooperation of individuals, corporate entities and organised groups across all sectors of our State.

We have confronted the challenge of the under-performance on the revenue side by evolving a strategy of unprecedented prudence, while we effectively managed our cash flow towards executing the capital projects provided for in the 2010 budget. It is instructive that despite fresh employments, unforeseen but major wage increases, as well as the payment of gratuity and pension arrears owed by previous governments, we kept recurrent expenditures within projected limits, so that we could mobilise resources for the capital projects.

Thus, in the face of unforeseen fiscal challenges that arose in the budget year, we ensured fidelity to the budget. This was largely achieved through a regime of methodical expenditure scrutiny, strictness in granting approvals and elimination of wasteful spending.

Mr. Speaker, although we were not able to meet the overall revenue projections, I am happy to report that we have executed and completed major capital projects across the priority sectors enunciated in the 2010 budget.

May I now highlight some of the key projects, which we have completed as well as those that are at advanced stages of completion:

ROADS
In Benin City, we have completed the construction of:
(i) Oba Market Road;
(ii) The Constain-Isornorho Area now renamed Gani Fawehinmi Layout;
(iii) Stadium Road;
(iv) West Circular Road;
(v) Liberty Avenue;
(vi) Ekpenede Road; and
(vii) Sakponba Road.
This is in addition to the 32 roads rehabilitated in the City during the year.
Furthermore, our contractors are at different stages of completion of 9 major roads within the capital City. These are:
(i) The six-lane Airport Road
(ii) The Lagos Road, from Oluku through Urubi to Akpakpava Junction.
(iii) The New Lagos/Akpakpava Road;
(iv) Abehe Street
(v) The six-lane Sapele Road
(vi) The four-lane Siluko Road
(vii) The Reconstruction of 5-Junction and seven adjourning roads;
(viii) Oguanogbe Road; and
(ix) Ebo Street.
We are simultaneously constructing 18 inter-city roads covering over 334 kilometres and 350 communities. These are:
(i) Iguobazuwa-Umaza-Siluko Road;
(ii) Jattu-Afowa-Iyora-Apana Road;
(iii) Uhen-Olumoye Road;
(iv) Ekperi-Anegbette Road;
(v) Ayogwiri-Apana-Okpekpe Road;
(vi) Jattu-Ibie Road;
(vii) Auchi-Jattu-Afashio-Ikabigbo-Ojion Road
(viii)Isua-Uzenema Road;
(ix) Amedokhian-Ugboha Road;
(x) Igueben-Ido Road;
(xi) Jattu-Ayua Road;
(xii) Igueben-Ewohimi-Ewatto-Ohordua- Okhuesan Road;
(xiii) Evboeghae-Ugo-Urhonigbe Road;
(xiv) Sebe-ogbe-Otuo Road;
(xv) Ivioghe-Igiode-Uzanu Road;
(xvi) Iyamho-Iyora Road;
(xvii)Ososo-Oja-Uneme Osu-Damgbala- Ojirami Dam- Ojirami Peteshi-Akuku- Enwan-Igarra Road; and
(xviii)Irrua-Usugbenu-Ugbegun-Ebudin-Ujiagba Road.

The road projects are all based on proper designs. They are executed by reputable contractors and appropriately supervised to conform to our very high technical specifications, especially for difficult and flood-prone terrains. We are building roads that would last at least 30 years. The roads are complete with covered and reinforced side-drains, while the intra-city roads additionally have side-walks and street lights.

Flooding and Erosion Control
We have now awarded the contract for the first phase of the Benin City Storm Water Project. This N30 billion project is one of the largest single capital projects in the country.

The scope of work includes the following:

 Construction of an open concrete canal of about 45 feet wide and 15 feet deep that covers a distance of 7.5 kilometre;
 Construction of a network of covered concrete tributary of smaller canals, covering over 7.8 kilometres;
 The reclamation and reconstruction of nine intra-city roads, with side-drains, walkways, street lights and lawns.

Ultimately, this project will solve once and for all the flooding and erosion crisis in Benin City.

As a remedial measure, we have cleared some major blocked drainages and channels in the City, while we have also desilted the Benin Moat.

These remedial measures helped to stem the tide of the heavy flash flooding, especially in traditionally vulnerable parts of the city. Indeed, but for these measures, the very heavy rains this year would have inflicted severe fatalities and disasters.
The Government of Edo State has initiated discussions with the Federal Government on the erosion sites in Queen Ede, Auchi and Ekpoma. The funding required to address the problem in these areas is beyond the means of the Edo State Government in the short to medium term.

The Beautification and Urban Renewal Programme
The first phase of the Beautification and Urban Renewal Programme in Benin City was completed during the year.

We gave Benin City a facelift starting from the city centre in the King's Square, now renamed King Ovonramwen Square. The asphalting of the Square has been completed. It now has street lights, well-tended lawns, walkways and a modern musical and illuminated King Ovonramwen Water Fountain, the first of its kind in the State.

I am sure that Mr. Speaker and Honourable members appreciate the organised and aesthetically appealing ambience of the King Ovonramwen Square.

We have completed the beautification of Akpakpava, Sakponba and Oba Market Roads, which inter-sect the Square. These streets now have functional street lights, well-paved walk-ways, covered drains, side lawns, green medians and waste bins.

I must place on record the gratitude of the Government of Edo State to Mr. Speaker for supporting the urban renewal programme. Indeed, I place on record the fact that the leadership of the House even consented without hesitation to the demolition of a part of the administrative structures.

Again, I wish to renew my appreciation to our paramount ruler, His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, for his tremendous support for the urban renewal programme.

Another major initiative was the reclamation, rehabilitation and beautification of the Costain-Isonorho Area, now re-named Gani Fawehinmi Layout. The area had been abandoned by residents because of the refuse dump which was perhaps the largest and tallest in the country.

EDUCATION
Under the first phase of the Total School Transformation Program, we have constructed and renovated classrooms, assembly halls, staff rooms, administrative blocks, toilets and other facilities in the following secondary schools:
1. Idia College, Benin City;
2. Niger College, Benin City;
3. St Maria Goretti Girls School;
4. St. John’s College, Fugar;
5. Annunciation Catholic College, Irrua;
6. St John Bosco College, Ubiaja;

In the first quarter of next year, we hope to complete the rebuilding of the following schools;

1. Edo Boys High School, Benin City;
2. Igueben Grammar School; Igueben
3. Iguobazuwa Grammar School; Iguobazuwa
4. St Angela’s Grammar School, Uzairue;
5. Our Lady of Fatima College, Auchi;
6. Holy Trinity Grammar School, Sabongida Ora; and
7. St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School, Igarra.

In the 2010 budget year, we have awarded contracts for the re-construction and renovation of primary and junior secondary schools across the 18 Local Governments.

The scope of the contracts covers the following:
1. Construction of 178 new classrooms;
2. Renovation of 296 existing classrooms;
3. Construction of perimeter fences in 32 primary schools;
4. Construction of water closet suites in 44 primary schools;

At this point, I must pay compliments to the Edo State House of Assembly under the current leadership for empowering us to access the N2.2 billion UBE funds, which we have deployed into the first phase of the renovation of primary and junior secondary schools.

In addition, the Government of Edo State has taken delivery of 35,000 units of single classroom furniture ánd 40,000 units of double seaters for public primary and secondary schools. This means that we now have new modern furniture for use by 115,000 pupils and students across the State.

In the area of tertiary education, we have increased our subvention to the Ambrose Alli University (AAU) from N150 million to N210 million. This is, however, a stopgap measure pending when the full funding requirement of the AAU will be determined by the forensic audit.
In addition, we upgraded infrastructures in the Institute of Technology and Management, Usen. With this, the school secured for the first time in its history accreditation for its programmes from the National Board for Technical Education.

HEALTH
In the health sector, the following capital projects were executed in 2010:
1. Comprehensive renovation of maternity and labour wards in 24 general hospitals;
2. Construction of Three antenatal clinics at the Auchi, Uromi and Benin Central hospitals;
3. Construction of two Women and Children’s Hospital in Otuo and Ewohinmi.
Under the MDG Programme, we constructed and renovated primary and secondary health facilities in the 3 senatorial districts.
As part of efforts to re-position the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, we have completed a new eye centre with modern facilities, some of which are not available elsewhere in the country.
We have also completed an 80-bed female hostel complex for the School of Health Technology, Benin City, as part of efforts to improve infrastructures in the institution.
We have invested massively in the procurement of drugs, theatre and diagnostic equipment. For instance, although our anti-malaria programme was designed to offer free treatment to pregnant women and children, we now offer drugs free to other categories of patients because we have stocked enough.
However, the most important project for us is the construction of a new comprehensive hospital complex in the Central Hospital, Benin City. We have already awarded the contract for this complex.

WATER
We have since deployed the two DANDO WATEREC 24 MOBILE DRILLING RIGS provided for in the 2010 budget. This equipment will help us to provide boreholes for rural and semi-rural communities, especially in areas where the terrain is very difficult.
In addition, we have executed the following water projects:
1. Rehabilitation of the Auchi Water Supply Scheme;
2. Rehabilitation of the Phase ll of the Upper Sakponba Water supply scheme;
3. Rehabilitation of the Ehor Water Supply Scheme
4. Drilling and installation of solar-driven boreholes in 101 sites across the three senatorial districts under the MDG scheme.
RURAL ELECTRIFICATION
As you may recall, I made a case for sustained government intervention in the provisioning of electricity infrastructures in rural and semi-urban areas, so that we could improve the quality of life and stimulate processing and value-addition.
Towards this, we have completed the Uluoke-Okpella Overhead Line, which will enhance the distribution networks in Etsako West, Etsako Central and Etsako East Local Government areas. This will reduce the load on Edo Central and make additional megawatts available for use in that part of the State.
Other electricity projects completed under the 2010 budget are:
1. Idumu-Eran/Idumeson Electricity Project;
2. Urhomehe Electricity Project;
3. Agbonkina-Evbotube Electricity Project;
4. Erua-Evboerien Electricity Project;
5. Ekpenada-Ekperi Electricity Project;
6. Oghomehre/Ogbago Electricity Project.
We have also installed transformers and feeder pillars across the State to boost electricity supply to more urban and rural communities.

EDO INTRA-CITY BUS SERVICE
As proposed in the 2010 budget, we have now acquired and deployed 100 air-conditioned 41-seater buses for both inter and intra-city operations across the state.
Generally, the buses have provided cheaper, more comfortable, neat and safer means of transport for commuters, especially workers and students.

SPORTS DEVELOPMENT
In the 2010 fiscal year, we upgraded and rehabilitated facilities at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. The major capital project in this sector was the synthetic FIFA-Standard football pitch, which was commissioned during the year.
Again, I must thank the House most sincerely for joining us in that memorable outing to commission the synthetic football pitch.

SECURITY
in order to confront the security challenge, we have procured various equipment for the Nigeria Police, although it is a federal agency with its own budget and resources. Part of the logistic support we provided for the Police are vehicles, bullet proof vests and communication equipment to link all Police formation in the State. This is in addition to our exclusive funding of the Operation Thunderstorm.
However, the level of funding required to effectively police the State and stamp out violent crimes, especially armed robbery and kidnapping, is beyond the State Government. Therefore, we will in the coming year explore a more viable and sustainable funding model, while we continue to prevail on the Federal Government to effectively fund the security agencies in line with its constitutional obligation.

THE JUSTICE SECTOR
Mr. Speaker, in the 2010 budget year, we have made sustained efforts to improve infrastructures in the Judicial Arm and enhance the welfare of judicial officers in particular. In this regard, we have completed the re-building of four court halls in Benin City. Starting from the 2011 Budget Year, we will gradually but steadily renovate and re-build court rooms outside Benin City. We have also procured vehicles for judges and renovated some judges’ quarters.

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
- Job Creation
Having effectively lifted the embargo on employment, we have since employed more than 2,000 workers into the mainstream Civil Service, the teaching service, Hospitals Management Board and Water Board. This is in addition to the initial 7,100 jobs created in our first year.
Mr. Speaker, in appraising the progress we have made in the area of job-creation, we need to factor in the additional employment stimulated by the massive construction going on in the 18 local government areas. Indeed, our capital projects have created a massive boom in the construction and ancillary industries, which has had positive economic stimulus effects.
- Creation of the Edo State Micro-Credit Scheme
Mr. Speaker, the N500 million micro-credit scheme approved by the House in the 2010 Appropriation Act was established in partnership with the Bank of Industry. The scheme has granted some loans at 5% interest to small-scale businesses. The 5% interest-rate is probably the lowest of its type in the country, because the State Government is subsidising the scheme.

WORKERS AND PENSIONERS’ WELFARE
Mr. Speaker, we have taken some fundamental steps in the 2010 fiscal year to improve the compensation structure in the public sector. We are implementing new salaries and allowances for:
1. Academic and non-academic staff across our higher institutions;
2. Magistrates and Judicial workers;
3. Primary and secondary school teachers.
In the health sector, we are finalising negotiations with the unions towards enhancing their salaries and a wide range of allowances.
We have also commenced the clearing of the backlog of gratuities owed by the State and Local Governments dating back to the Year 2000.

THE 2011 BUDGET PROPOSALS
Mr. Speaker, the 2011 Budget strategically reinforces our Administration’s overall objectives of infrastructural renewal, human welfare, employment and wealth creation as well as the deepening of popular participation in governance and development.
As we commence the second half of our tenure, our strategy is to deepen our fiscal and overall institutional capacity towards the sustenance of the progress we have made. This budget is our roadmap towards the consolidation of our mid-term gains and it will help us to meet our maturing capital obligations for ongoing projects.
Therefore, the primary objective of the 2011 budget is to deepen our resource-mobilisation and re-energize our cash flow towards:
1. the accelerated execution and completion of the on-going capital projects;
2. maintenance and equipping of completed infrastructures.
In this regard, the budget seeks to explore new options for long-term financing of infrastructures and expanding the internally generated sources.
Our projected expenditure for the 2011 Budget is N105.994 billion made up of:
- a capital projection of N61.772 billion;
- a recurrent estimate of N44.222 billion.
The budget size of N105.63 in 2011 exceeds the 2010 budget by about N4.029 billion representing about 3.95%. In the Year 2011, we will pursue the objective of spending more resources on capital projects.

In this regard, a total sum of N61.772 billion representing about 58% of the total budget size has been earmarked for capital expenditure in 2011, while N44.222 billion will cater for the recurrent expenditure in the same period. Predominantly, the focus in 2011 will be the completion of on-going projects.

The sum of N66.187 billion is proposed as recurrent revenue. The breakdown is as follows:

Details
Amount (N)
%

IGR
18,500,000,000
28

Statutory Allocation
43,687,277,124
66

Excess Crude and Others
4,000,000,000
6

Total Recurrent Revenue
66,187,277,124
100

The projected IGR of N18.5 billion for the Year 2011 represents a marginal increase of about 2.78% over the Year 2010 budget. We are resolute on the need to diversify and increase our IGR because this is ultimately the most sustainable means to fund development. Accordingly, all revenue generating agencies (RGAs) will be re-engineered to redouble their performance and outputs.

The other sources for funding the Year 2011 budget are:
1. N7.44 billion from VAT;
2. N11.81 in Grants;
3. N7.5 billion World Bank Budget Support.
4. N7.20 billion from sundry sources

Mr. Speaker, it is important to highlight the significance of the N7.5 billion anticipated Budget Support from the World Bank. This represents a fundamental endorsement of our commitment and approach to development by the international donor community. Indeed, Edo State is the second sub-national Government on the continent to benefit from this scheme.

CAPITAL PRIORITIES FOR 2011
The priority areas in the 2011 budget which account for over 65% of the capital budget remain:
1. Roads;
2. flood and erosion control;
3. primary and secondary educatio

ROADS
Consequently, in the 2011 budget, priority shall be given to the completion of inter-city roads in 15 Local Government Areas, as well as the construction of new roads in Esan West, Owan West and Uhunmwode.
- FLOODING AND EROSION CONTROL
In the year 2011, N8.65 billion has been allocated to the Benin City Storm Water Project and other drainage problems across the State.

- BEAUTIFICATION AND URBAN RENEWAL
In addition, we will embark on the second phase of the beautification programme, for which a provision of about N600 million has been made in 2011.
- EDUCATION
We have proposed an allocation of N6 billion for overall infrastructural development and rehabilitation in the education sector.
The breakdown is as follows:
1. N2.0 billion for the second phase of the total school rehabilitation programme covering senior secondary schools across the 18 local government areas;

1. N1.9 billion for the second phase of the construction and rehabilitation of primary schools;

1. N400 million for capital projects in the junior secondary schools.
We propose to construct three new comprehensive model boarding secondary schools at a sum of N2 billion. These schools should have been completed but for the politically motivated removal from the 2009 budget by the previous leadership of the House of Assembly.
In furtherance of our policy of executing at least one major capital project each budget year in the State owned tertiary institutions, we have resolved to fast-track the completion of the abandoned administrative block in the AAU. We will also commence the construction of one hostel each for male and female students. A capital allocation of N500 million is proposed towards these projects.
This infrastructural development dispensation will benefit the other institutions, namely: Institute of Technology and Management, Usen; College of Education, Ekiadolor; College of Education, Igueben; College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi; and the Micheal Imoudu Institute of Physical Education, Afuze.
- HEALTH
In the area of health, we are conscious that we have an obligation to reduce our disease burden, make healthcare available to citizens, especially for the low-income and rural dwellers, and develop capacity for comprehensive and specialised medical-care.
To this end, we will pursue the completion of the new comprehensive building complex in the Central Hospital, Benin City, to be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. Consequently, the sum of N1.8 billion has been provided in the Year 2011 budget for the project.

Furthermore, provisions have been made for the rehabilitation of the Central Hospitals in Auchi and Uromi.

Other initiatives to be implemented in the health sector for the year 2011 shall include:
 Procurement of Ambulances
 Procurement and installation of Oxygen Plant for Stella Obasanjo Hospital , Benin City
 Construction of ENT/Ophthalmic Complex at Central Central Hospital, Benin
 Provision of Digital X-Ray for Central Hospital, Auchi
 Reconstruction of Ossiomo Leper Settlement
 Provision of Hospital Equipment in the completed facilities
 Repair/Renovation and Upgrading of Existing Hospitals
In the 2011 fiscal year, other initiatives to be pursued in other sectors of the economy shall include:
- WATER SUPPLY:
The sum of N0.9 billion has been allocated to various water projects in the Year 2011 to address repairs of water facilities and for borehole drilling projects. With the acquisition of the high calibre drilling rigs, we will be able to reduce the unit cost of boreholes and drill more across the State.

- LAND ADMINISTRATION
The sum of N1.5 billion is proposed as allocation to the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Surveys. Out of this amount, N700 million will be allocated to the first phase of the New Town Development Project, covering 10 kilometres by 10 kilometres.
We will also computerise the Ministry and create the Edo State Geographical Information System (EGIS) to enable us create one-stop system for all land transactions. This will eliminate the bottlenecks in land transactions and make the system more effective. An added benefit is that the EGIS will serve as a platform to create a road information management system, capable of producing digital street maps for tourism, security and general urban planning purposes.
- RURAL ELECTRIFICATION:
We will complete the following electricity projects in the 2011 fiscal year:

1. Upgrading of the Otuo Electricity Supply from 2.5MVA to 7.5MVA;
2. Udo-Iguafole Electricity project;
3. Odighi Electricity Project;
4. Evbuabogun Electricity project

The sum of N425 million has been earmarked for special intervention in all local government areas.
- INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
The sum of N0.85 billion has been allocated to comprehensively upgrade our ICT infrastructures. The substantial part of the amount is for the deployment of an integrated financial management system to automate all financial transactions cutting across recurrent and capital expenditures.
The ultimate aim is to:
1. completely eliminate extra-budgetary expenditures
2. eliminate duplication in expenditures
3. make procurement more effective
4. reduce the cost of running government.
- SPORTS
An additional N80 million is proposed for the rehabilitation of facilities at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in the 2011 budget.

Secondly, we intend to restore facilities at the Micheal Imoudu College of Physical Education, Afuze, as a springboard for the revival of sports, especially school sports in the State. The sum of N100 million is proposed for this project.

- EDO STATE BROADCASTING SERVICE AND THE NIGERIA OBSERVER
We propose to strengthen the Edo State Broadcasting Service and the Nigerian Observer in the next budget year. Accordingly, we have included a request for the sum of N300 million to rehabilitate and improve the two organisations.

We propose to acquire new OB Vans and transmitters to boost the coverage of the EBS while we will overhaul the printing equipment of the Nigeria ObserverTHE YEAR 2011 RECURRENT EXPENDITURE
In the 2011 fiscal year, the sum of N44.22 billion is proposed as recurrent expenditure. The components are as follows:

Details
Amount

Personnel Cost
19,361,811,811

Overhead Cost
13,142,828,000

Consolidated Fund Revenue Charges (including pensions/gratuities)
11,718,123,788

Total
44,222,763,599

The personnel projection for 2011 is higher because we have to provide for the increase in the Minimum Wage and our obligations under the contributory pension Scheme.

OUTLOOK FOR 2011
Mr. Speaker, we are making Edo State a positive reference point in good governance and people-driven development. Today, Edo people are truly proud that our State is now regaining its lost glory.
The outlook for Edo State for the Year 2011 is bright. Our people, especially the youth, now feel the impact of government in a profoundly positive manner in the last two years. Yet, the best is yet to come out of Edo State.
I wish to assure Edo people of my commitment to the sustenance of the gains we have made and further improvements.

CONCLUSION
In concluding, I wish to renew my appreciation to the people of Edo State for their prayers, encouragement, support and participation. While this government has enormous political will to deal with the challenges of development, I am ever conscious that without the full backing of Edo people, we would not have been able to record as many accomplishments.
I wish to solicit the continued support of our people and all stakeholders in the renewal of Edo State.
May I also express our deep gratitude to His Excellency, President Goodluck Jonathan, for his overall positive disposition towards Edo State.
Mr. Speaker, allow me to acknowledge specially the tremendous support of the Edo State House of Assembly. We have in the Edo State House of Assembly Honourable Members, who appreciate that while democracy requires that powers be separated, development requires that the burden of leadership must be shared. I am grateful indeed.
I wish at this point to place on record my appreciation to His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, who has remained a veritable source of counsel, inspiration and fatherly support.

Let me also thank the leaders and activists of the Action Congress of Nigeria, who have given so much vitality to our party as the ruling party.

We are grateful for the encouragement and unflinching support of Religious Leaders, Community Leader, the Labour Party and other fraternal political parties, the Labour Movement, Civil Society Organisations, the Organised Private Sector, Market Traders, Students Unions, Transport Unions, Okada Riders,Women Groups, voluntary organisations and other organised bodies in Edo State.

Mr. Speaker Sir, it is now my pleasure and honour to present for your gracious consideration the 2011 Edo State Budget Proposal.

I thank you for your attention.