Bassey Otu, the Governor of Cross River State, took a significant step on Friday by signing the state’s N296.985 billion budget for 2024 into law, naming it the “People First” budget.
During the ceremony held in his office, Governor Otu disclosed that the budget comprises N180 billion for capital expenditure and N116 billion for recurrent expenditure. Notably, the approved budget surpassed the initially proposed N250 billion, marking a vital increase of N46 billion.
Governor Otu emphasized that the augmented allocation was primarily to ensure substantial financial assistance for individuals living with disabilities. He stressed, “The increase in the budget allocation for this community is not just a necessity but a moral imperative to erase social imbalance of special demographics as they are a vulnerable group.”
Furthermore, he underscored the significance of the augmented budget, stating, “This increase will facilitate better access to healthcare, assistive technologies, education, and employment opportunities tailored to their capabilities; it is not just a fiscal decision but a statement of our values as a society.”
In addition to the support for persons with disabilities, the budget also includes amplified funding for gratuity payments, debt services, counterpart funds, nutrition activities, social protection, climate change, and gender-responsive budget.
Governor Otu’s commitment exemplifies a societal shift towards prioritizing inclusivity and equitable resource allocation, further cementing the state’s dedication to upholding the welfare of all its citizens.
