NIGERIA: Makinde Expands Welfare, Transport Support for Vulnerable Residents in Oyo

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved expanded social welfare and transport interventions aimed at supporting vulnerable citizens under the state’s Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) project.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Ibadan, following the latest State Executive Council meeting.

Governor Makinde expressed satisfaction with the positive impact of his administration’s efforts, emphasising the need to sustain support for the poorest and most vulnerable across all local government areas in Oyo State.

According to Oyelade, “Unlike other states, the administration will persist in assisting the poorest and most vulnerable across all local government areas of Oyo State. This commitment is a direct response to the hardships experienced following the removal of the fuel subsidy.”

The statement further revealed that “Operational routes for the 55 buses currently transporting commuters have increased from 31 to 39, with over 30,000 commuters benefiting from a 50 per cent reduction in fare daily. Additionally, the physically challenged, school children, the elderly, and civil servants continue to enjoy free transport services.”

The governor has also approved the acquisition of 50 additional luxury buses to complement the existing fleet, with plans to deploy them ahead of the state’s 50th anniversary celebrations next year.

In the agricultural and business sectors, the Council approved further support amounting to ₦4.78 billion. This includes subsidised tractor facilities, credit funds for the Oyo State Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP) and smallholder farmers, as well as low-interest loans for artisans, traders, and small businesses.

Oyelade disclosed that “the Council approved Virtual Digital and Soft Skills Training for 2,175 civil servants for ₦367,540,000.”

The Council also reviewed the budgets for ongoing projects, including bus terminal developments at Iwo Road, New Ife Road, Challenge, and Ojoo, alongside the construction of modern monumental structures at Dr Omololu Olunloyo Park. The combined revised budget is ₦8.54 billion.

On security matters, Oyelade stated, “The Council endorsed ongoing discussions between the government and the military to occupy the Old Oyo National Park, aiming to curb terrorist activities and illegal mining within the enclave.”