Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde,[/b] has stated that his administration’s commitment to the prompt payment of N24 billion in monthly salaries has significantly contributed to the economic growth and stability of the state. The governor’s comments were made during a speech after the Eid-el-Fitri prayers at the Eid Ground in Agodi, Ibadan, on Sunday.
Speaking with joy and confidence, Makinde emphasized that his administration’s decision to ensure consistent salary payments to both state and local government workers has had a ripple effect on the local economy, boosting business activities and creating a more favorable environment for private sector investments to thrive. He stressed that the regular injection of funds into the economy has stimulated growth and improved the purchasing power of the state’s residents.
In his remarks, the governor said that the total monthly wage bill in Oyo State stands at N24 billion, with N14 billion allocated to the state’s civil service, while local government workers receive N10 billion. This financial flow has been crucial in creating a more robust economic environment, positively affecting small and large businesses and enabling more financial transactions within the state.
While receiving a delegation of Muslim leaders, traditional rulers, and prominent political figures at his Ikolaba residence, the governor shared further insights into how his administration has transformed the state’s economic landscape. The delegation included Deputy Governor Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, former Deputy Governor Taofeek Arapaja, and Professor Kamil Oloso, among others.
Makinde further highlighted the confidence of private investors in Oyo State, noting that his government’s policies have been instrumental in fostering a stable economic environment. He mentioned the development of a Farmers’ Wholesale Market at the Ijaiye Farm Settlement, a project aimed at boosting agricultural activities in the state. The government has allocated 3,000 hectares of land for the project, which is part of a broader initiative to unlock the potential of Oyo State’s agricultural sector. The governor expressed his belief that this market would significantly contribute to both the local and state economies.
“On the private sector side, a lot of people are now comfortable to come and invest in Oyo State. We have seen a great deal of investment. Yesterday, I visited the Ijaiye Farm Settlement, where the Farmers’ Wholesale Market is being developed. In that settlement, we have 27,000 hectares of land, and we’ve carved out 3,000 hectares for the project,” Makinde said during the visit.
Makinde also took the opportunity to underscore the importance of peace and stability in driving Oyo State’s economic progress. Reflecting on the state’s political history, he expressed satisfaction that unity now prevails in the state, unlike in the past when political divisions created unnecessary tension. He praised the harmonious atmosphere that now exists and stressed that continued unity would foster even greater development in the future.
“We used to have the opposite of this in Oyo State back then. You would hear people say before Eid that this one should not come and that one should not come. But today, because we have peace in Oyo State, we are in a situation where we can see development and peaceful coexistence. We want to sustain this atmosphere,” he remarked.
Makinde expressed hope that Oyo State would never revert to the politically turbulent times of the past and reiterated that patience and perseverance were essential to achieving long-term success. He also thanked the people for their continued support and called on political leaders to remain focused on the well-being of their citizens despite the ongoing economic challenges.
In his speech on behalf of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Senator Rashidi Ladoja urged residents of Oyo State to remain patient, steadfast, and hopeful in the face of challenges. He also commended Governor Makinde for prioritizing workers' welfare, particularly through the timely payment of salaries.
Deputy Governor Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, addressing the media after the Eid prayers, urged members of the Muslim community to continue to uphold the values of empathy, love, and kindness. He also praised the governor’s commitment to workers' welfare, acknowledging the positive impact this had on the state’s growth and stability.
Professor Kamil Oloso led special prayers for Governor Makinde’s continued success, thanking him for his administration’s support of the Muslim community in the state. The governor, in his response, reiterated the importance of strong leadership and the need for political leaders to work together to improve the lives of their citizens.
Makinde concluded by emphasizing that despite economic challenges, strong leadership and a focus on the people’s welfare would lead Oyo State toward greater progress and prosperity.