The Oyo State government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, has expressed satisfaction with the impact of its intervention to support the masses under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) project, amidst the ongoing hardship encountered after the fuel subsidy removal.
According to Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Information, “unlike other States, his administration will continue to intervene in the lives of the poorest of the poor and vulnerable across all local government areas of the State.”
The Governor’s administration has implemented several initiatives to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal on the masses. For instance, the operational routes for the 55 buses currently being used to transport commuters have increased from 31 to 39. As Prince Dotun Oyelade noted, “over 30,000 commuters are enjoying fare reduction by 50 percent every day while the physically challenged, school children, the aged and the civil servants still enjoy transport services free of charge.” This move is part of the resolutions reached at the Executive Council meeting, which took place recently.
Furthermore, the Governor has approved 50 extra luxurious buses to complement the 55 already being used. According to Prince Dotun Oyelade, “the 50 extra buses will be available before the 50th anniversary of the State next year.” This development is expected to further enhance the transportation system in the State and provide more relief to commuters.
In addition to the transportation initiatives, the Council also gave approval for further food security inputs and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) support. As Prince Dotun Oyelade stated, “the support include subsidized tractor facilities, credit facilities fund for the Oyo State Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP) and smallholder farmers, low interest rate loans to artisans, traders and small businesses and many more at a cost of ₦4,787,468,000.” This move is aimed at boosting the State’s agricultural sector and providing support to small businesses and entrepreneurs.
To infuse efficiency into the civil service, the Council also approved Virtual Digital and Soft Skill Training for 2,175 Civil servants in the State at a cost of ₦367,540,000. According to Prince Dotun Oyelade, “the training is designed to enhance the capacity of civil servants and improve the overall efficiency of the State’s bureaucracy.”
The Commissioner for Information also announced that the Council approved the review of the cost of two ongoing projects. As he noted, “the projects are the bus terminal projects at Iwo road, new Ife road, Challenge and Ojoo and the construction of modern monumental structures at the Dr. Omololu Olunloyo Park at a cost of ₦8,536,415,000.” This development is expected to further improve the State’s infrastructure and provide more amenities for its citizens.
On security, the Council approved discussions currently going on between the Government and the Military to occupy the Old Oyo National Park. According to Prince Dotun Oyelade, “the move is aimed at discouraging activities of terrorists and illegal miners in the enclave.” This development is expected to enhance the security situation in the State and prevent any potential threats to the citizens.
In the words of Prince Dotun Oyelade, “the Governor has expressed satisfaction with the impact of the administration’s intervention to support the masses under the ongoing Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) project.” The Oyo State government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens is evident in the various initiatives implemented to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.
As the State continues to navigate the challenges posed by the removal of the fuel subsidy, the government’s proactive approach is expected to mitigate the impact on the masses and promote economic recovery.