Hardship: Makinde Promises Quick Interventions For Vulnerable Residents

Following the lingering hardship triggered by the fuel subsidy removal in the country, Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has vowed that his administration would continue to provide quick interventions for the poor and vulnerable people across all local government areas of the state,

Speaking on the resolutions at the executive council meeting, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade expressed satisfaction with the impact of the administration’s intervention to support the masses under the ongoing Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) project.

He quoted the governor to have said that unlike other states, his administration will continue to intervene in the lives of the poorest of the poor and vulnerable in the state.

According to him, operational routes for the 55 buses currently being used to transport commuters have increased from 31 to 39 and 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.

He said the governor had approved 50 extra luxurious buses to complement the 55 already being used, adding that the 50 extra buses would be available before the 50th anniversary of the state next year.

“The council also gave approval for further food security inputs and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) support, which 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.

“In order 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,” he said.

The commissioner added that the review of the cost of two ongoing projects was approved, listing the projects to include 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.

On security, the commissioner said the council approved the discussions currently going on between government and the military to occupy the Old Oyo National Park to discourage activities of terrorists and illegal miners in the enclave.