A community development advocate and member of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Amb. Dr. Otunba Moshood Ismail Abioye Ajadi, has commended Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for sustaining an inclusive approach to governance through the stakeholders’ consultative meeting on the state’s proposed 2027 budget.

The consultation, held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Olola Ogunlana Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Second Gate, Ibadan, provided stakeholders with an opportunity to contribute ideas and make recommendations towards shaping the state’s development priorities for the coming fiscal year.

Ajadi described the initiative as a commendable democratic practice that allows citizens and community representatives to contribute to decisions concerning public resources.

According to him, budget consultations should be encouraged across all levels of government because effective governance requires listening to the people, identifying their needs and translating public concerns into practical development programmes.

He noted that the approach was worthy of wider national consideration, stressing that the success of a government should be measured not only by policies announced but also by the positive impact of those policies on ordinary citizens.

While commending Governor Makinde for providing the platform for stakeholder participation, Otunba Abioye said the state government to give greater attention to inner roads, education and digital literacy, primary healthcare, youth empowerment, and most importantly regulations, in the 2027 budget.

Speaking on grassroots development, Ajadi called for deliberate attention to communities most importantly Akinyele and Lagelu local government areas, noting that residents need practical interventions that improve mobility, access to essential services and economic opportunities.

He recommended that the government assess and prioritise at least five critical inner-road corridors in each local government area for rehabilitation, drainage improvement or maintenance during the 2027 budget cycle.

He also proposed the establishment or upgrading of at least two functional digital classrooms in each LGA, equipped with computers, projection facilities, reliable power and trained facilitators. The proposed first-year target is to provide practical digital literacy training to at least 200 students in each area.

On healthcare, he urged the government to consider upgrading at least three primary healthcare centres in each LGA, with attention to essential medicines, basic equipment, staffing and consistent service delivery, partnership with private own hospitals, most importantly regulation

He further advocated a youth skills and enterprise programme targeting at least 200 young people in each LGA during the first year, with training in digital skills, vocational trades and entrepreneurship, supported where feasible by mentorship and employment or business opportunities.

To address water and sanitation needs, he recommended ward-by-ward assessments and a proposed minimum of two community water projects in each LGA during the 2027 budget cycle, alongside priority sanitation and drainage interventions.

Ajadi stressed that these proposed targets should be subjected to proper needs assessments, realistic costing and available funding, with clear timelines, responsible agencies and measurable performance indicators.

The APM member emphasised that the real value of stakeholder engagement would depend on how effectively the recommendations received are reflected in the final budget and implemented across the state.

He urged the government to strengthen public reporting on budget priorities, project implementation and completion, enabling residents to assess progress and understand how public funds are being utilised.

He also called for sustained collaboration between the state and local governments to ensure that development reaches underserved communities rather than being concentrated only in major urban centres.

Ajadi maintained that education and digital literacy should remain central to the state’s development agenda, while investment in healthcare, roads, water and youth enterprise would help improve living standards and strengthen local economies.

He commended Governor Makinde once again for the consultative approach and expressed hope that the contributions of stakeholders would translate into a responsive 2027 budget capable of addressing the needs of residents across Oyo State.

He concluded that constructive governance should rise above partisan differences, noting that positive initiatives deserve recognition while public officials must remain accountable for delivering measurable results.

“The ultimate test of an inclusive budget is whether the people can see its impact in their communities, in better roads, functional schools, accessible healthcare, reliable water and improved opportunities for young people.” said Dr Mosh