Oyo State Govt Strengthens Fiscal Planning, Builds Leadership Capacity For Sustainable Development

The Oyo State Government has intensified efforts to strengthen governance, fiscal planning and institutional capacity with the commencement of the preparation of the 2027–2029 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the training of top civil service leadership cadres on talent management and mentoring.

As part of the initiatives, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning commenced a five-day walk-through session on the preparation of the 2027–2029 MTEF at the University of Ibadan Conference Centre, bringing together 60 participants from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) responsible for planning, budgeting and finance.

The workshop is designed to build a common understanding of the MTEF process and equip participants with the technical knowledge required to prepare a realistic, credible and implementable medium-term budget framework.

Representing the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Barr. Ayobami Ojo, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Ghafar Bello, described the exercise as another milestone in institutionalising transparent, prudent and results-oriented budgeting in Oyo State.

Barr. Ojo stated that the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework remains a critical instrument for aligning government spending with policy priorities, available resources and the State Development Plan, noting that a credible MTEF provides the foundation for realistic annual budgets capable of delivering measurable development outcomes.

He explained that the workshop would deepen participants’ knowledge of revenue forecasting, expenditure planning, programme-based budgeting and fiscal sustainability, while ensuring that MDAs align their plans with the Roadmap for Sustainable Development (Omituntun 2.0) and Agenda 2040.

The Commissioner urged participants to embrace transparency, accountability and realistic costing throughout the budget preparation process, adding that the technical session would produce realistic revenue projections, programme-based budgets, strengthened monitoring frameworks and draft expenditure ceilings for the 2027 budget.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Tunde Ayanleke, appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for approving the workshop and releasing the necessary funds, while the Lead Consultant, Dr. Ayuba Onifade, urged participants to provide accurate and reliable data, stressing that the quality of the MTEF would depend on the credibility of information supplied.

Similarly, in furtherance of the state’s ongoing civil and public service transformation agenda, the government trained 100 top leadership cadres across Ministries, Departments and Agencies on “Talent Management and Mentoring as Panacea for Sustainable Institutional Development.”

The two-day executive workshop, organised by the Ministry of Establishments and Training in collaboration with the American Open University, was held at the university’s Ashi-Bodija campus in Ibadan.

The programme was designed to strengthen talent management, mentorship and succession planning within the civil service to ensure that retiring senior officials leave behind competent officers capable of sustaining high service standards and advancing the state’s development agenda.

The Head of Service, Mrs. Adenike Fasina, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Services, Office of the Head of Service, Barrister Sunday Olagoke, emphasised that effective talent management is essential for sustainable institutional development, noting that strong succession planning guarantees continuity, prevents panic recruitment and addresses staff attrition.

Speaking during the programme, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Saliu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, who previously served as Commissioner for Establishments and Training, said the training would equip senior officers with the leadership and soft skills required to improve efficiency, mentor subordinates and enhance service delivery.

He disclosed that similar training programmes would be conducted regularly, with additional certificated courses planned through the Simeon Adebo Staff Development Centre in partnership with the American Open University.

“We need to begin to identify talents within the service and deliberately develop them. More than 100,000 civil and public servants depend on the leadership of fewer than 150 senior officers. Talent development and mentorship must therefore become a priority,” he said.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishments and Training, Mr. Hameed Alade Bello, described the workshop as a challenge to participants’ leadership capabilities and urged them to maximise the opportunity.

Participants commended the initiative, saying it would strengthen succession planning and support the state’s vision of becoming the fastest-growing economy in Nigeria.

The twin initiatives underscore the Makinde administration’s commitment to prudent fiscal management, effective governance and the development of a highly skilled and future-ready public service capable of driving sustainable development across Oyo State.