Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde has called on the residents to keep hope alive, saying that his administration will continue to take decisions that will serve the interest of the people.
Governor Makinde in his state-wide Independence Day broadcast on Tuesday, maintained that as part of decisions to mitigate the economic challenges facing the people, he has directed an immediate change in the guarantor system for the state’s agricultural credit loan for small farmers.
He said against the requirement that only allowed civil servants to guarantee farmers applying for loan, community associations, farmers and artisanal associations can now guarantee loan seekers.
He equally declared a six-month extension for the state’s Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) Transport Scheme, which had seen intra-city and inter-city transportation in state government-owned Omituntun buses subsidised by more than half, noting that he had also directed that a similar subsidy be introduced on trucks for crop transportation across the state.
These measures, Governor Makinde said, were introduced to reaffirm his government’s commitment to making decisions that will serve the best interests of the people amid the cloudy economic times in the country.
“Today, we celebrate another milestone in Nigeria’s history as we mark 64 years of nationhood. Our journey has been one of highs and lows. We have walked, crawled, run, stumbled, and risen again. We have experienced moments of pride and moments of reflection. But above all, we have demonstrated unwavering resilience.
“Here in Oyo State, you have exemplified that same resilience by supporting our administration over the past five years as we moved from accelerated development to sustainable development with a focus on moving the people of our dear state from poverty to prosperity.
“They say the darkest hour comes just before dawn. As we face these cloudy economic times, we must remember our resilient spirit. Rest assured, the sun will rise.
“As your government, we use this Independence Day celebration to reaffirm our commitment to making decisions that will serve the best interests of the good people of Oyo State.
“This is why I have directed that guarantors for small scale loans to agripreneurs through the Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State will no longer be limited to civil servants but will now include Community Development Associations (CDAs), farmers’ associations and artisans’ associations.
“We have also extended the subsidy on transportation for another six months under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) scheme.
“The subsidy will now also include a subsidy on trucks for evacuation of farm produce. This subsidy will be implemented through the various trader and agriculture unions.
“Now is not the time to emphasise what divides us. Rather, we must hold fast to the things that unite us, our shared identity, our culture, and our history. We must always remember who our real enemies are, so we do not turn against our friends.
“We will, as a government, continue to give strength to democratic institutions because we believe this is one of the best ways to build stronger states and nations.
“I also want to take this opportunity to reassure you that the security of our people remains a top priority. During your celebrations, you may notice an increased security presence. Do not be alarmed—they are there to ensure your safety and guarantee a peaceful celebration.
“So, as we celebrate Nigeria at 64, let us not dwell on the difficulties of the present. Instead, let us use this period to reflect on what we can do differently, so that the future of our nation will be better than the past. Let us focus on the real hope that lies ahead,” Makinde said.
