Interest of Oyo State people remains paramount, Makinde says as he restores wage award, transport subsidy - ITREALMS

The Oyo State Governor, ’Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed that the welfare and overarching interest of the people of Oyo State will remain the core focus of his administration, reports ITREALMS.

Governor Makinde stated this commitment on Friday while addressing state workers, executive council members, and labor leaders at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan, following his return from his annual leave.

To cushion the economic burden on residents following recent increases in fuel pump prices, the governor announced the renewal of the monthly wage award for civil servants for another three months, alongside the continuation of the state’s ongoing transport subsidy scheme.

“I want to assure you today that the wage award will be renewed for another three months. We will also continue with the transport subsidy. I want to thank our workers for their efforts, dedication, and support,” Makinde stated.

Addressing the state's fiscal realities, Makinde disclosed that Oyo State’s monthly wage bill has risen sharply from N4.5 billion in 2019 to N18 billion, while the state minimum wage was successfully reviewed upward from N18,000 in 2019 to N80,000. 

He announced an upcoming joint meeting between state leadership and organized labor to continually refine measures addressing current macroeconomic challenges.

Commending the Acting Governor, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, for seamlessly steering state affairs during his absence, Makinde underscored the importance of constitutional adherence and institutional continuity.

“We have shown in Oyo State that governance does not stop when the head is away. Teamwork ensured an effective response to challenges. I am happy to report that I am not disappointed,” he said, urging national leadership to consistently observe executive power transitions during official leaves.

The governor directly dismissed allegations by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) alleging plans to divert a €55 million French healthcare facility toward political campaigns. 

He clarified that the low-interest facility, negotiated since 2020 with a 35 percent grant component, is strictly tied to upgrading health facilities and expanding public healthcare delivery across Oyo State.

Governor Makinde also cautioned residents to evaluate administrative track records as election cycles approach, emphasizing that sustainable governance requires structured planning regarding workforce expansion, wage bills, and infrastructure.

Earlier in their respective remarks, Acting Governor Bayo Lawal, Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi, and the Head of Service, Dr. Adenike Fashina, commended the smooth administrative transition and the governor's ongoing commitment to civil service welfare, noting the implementation of the 2025 worker promotion exercise and preparations for the 2026 cycle.