With N24bn Monthly Salary Payments, Oyo State Economy Is Stable – Makinde • Host Ladoja, Deputy, Muslim Leaders
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic stability, citing the monthly payment of approximately N24 billion in salaries to state and local government workers as a key driver of financial growth.
Speaking on Sunday at his Ikolaba residence in Ibadan, shortly after the Eid-el-Fitri prayers at the Eid Ground, Agodi, the governor emphasized how his policies have fostered economic expansion and attracted private sector investments.
The gathering included the deputy governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadan, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, prominent Muslim clerics, and top political officeholders at various government levels.
The delegation also featured the Senator representing Oyo South, Oloye Sharafadeen Alli; former Deputy Governor and PDP Deputy National Chairman, Amb. Taofeek Arapaja; and Prof. Kamil Oloso, among others.
Makinde congratulated the Muslim community on the successful completion of Ramadan and Eid-el-Fitri, thanking them for their prayers and support. He credited Oyo’s economic progress to the peaceful coexistence among residents.
“We used to have a situation where people dictated who could or could not attend Eid prayers. Today, that era is gone. We now see unity and development because of the peace we have fostered in Oyo State,” Makinde stated.
The governor highlighted the contrast between the past and present, emphasizing that peace has paved the way for sustainable development. “My prayer is that Oyo State never returns to those periods of discord. When we live in unity, development and progress follow,” he added.
Makinde underscored the administration’s dedication to economic stability, revealing that, “Every four weeks, N24 billion circulates within Oyo’s economy through workers’ salaries. The wage bill stands at N14 billion for state workers and N10 billion for local government employees.”
He also pointed to increased private sector confidence in the state, citing ongoing projects such as the Farmers’ Wholesale Market at Ijaiye Farm Settlement. “Out of 27,000 hectares, we have carved out 3,000 hectares for this market, reinforcing our drive to bolster agribusiness,” he said.
Delivering a message from the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Otun Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja urged the people of Oyo State to remain patient and steadfast despite economic challenges.
Similarly, Deputy Governor Lawal encouraged the Muslim Ummah to embody the virtues of empathy, love, and kindness as taught by the Holy Quran. He commended Governor Makinde for prioritizing the welfare of workers through prompt salary payments and transparent governance.
Professor Oloso also offered special prayers for the governor and his administration, appreciating Makinde’s unwavering support for the Muslim community.
Among the dignitaries present were the Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi; Oloye Nureni Akanbi; commissioners; local government chairpersons; and other government officials.
