“How prompt payment of N24bn monthly salaries boosted Oyo’s economy “ – Seyi Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, 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.

Speaking on Sunday after the Eid-el-Fitri prayers at the Eid Ground, Agodi, Ibadan, Makinde emphasized that the consistent salary payments to state and local government workers have injected funds into the local economy, enhancing business activities and attracting private sector investments.

He made these remarks while receiving a delegation of Muslim leaders, traditional rulers, and political figures at his Ikolaba residence.

The delegation, led by Deputy Governor Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, included the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, former Deputy Governor Taofeek Arapaja, and Professor Kamil Oloso, among others.

Makinde explained that the monthly wage bill for state workers is now N14 billion, while local government workers receive N10 billion, making a total of N24 billion that circulates within the state’s economy.

He noted that this regular cash flow has significantly improved the purchasing power of residents, leading to increased economic activities.

“One of those things we desire is economic stability in our state. Now, every four weeks, N24 billion gets into the economy of Oyo State through workers’ salaries. The wage bill of the state is now around N14 billion, while that of the local government is about N10 billion,” he said.

The governor also highlighted the confidence of private investors in Oyo State, attributing it to the stable economic environment created by his administration’s policies.

He cited the development of a Farmers’ Wholesale Market at Ijaiye Farm Settlement as an example, noting that the government has allocated 3,000 hectares of land for the project.

“Similarly, on the private sector side, a lot of people are now comfortable to come and invest in Oyo State and we have seen quite a lot of investments. Yesterday, we were at the Ijaiye Farm Settlement because of the Farmers’ Wholesale Market that is coming in there. I went there to inspect the place, and you will be surprised that in that settlement, we have 27,000 hectares of land. We have asked them to carve out just 3,000 hectares out of the 27,000 for that project,” Makinde stated.

Makinde emphasized that peace and stability have played a crucial role in the state’s economic progress, urging residents to sustain the harmonious atmosphere.

He recalled the political divisions that once plagued the state but expressed satisfaction that unity now prevails.

“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, and we want to sustain these.

“We passed through those periods and we saw the result and effects, and we can compare them with what obtains now. When we have an atmosphere of unity and live in peace with ourselves, there will be development and progress. That is what we are witnessing in Oyo State today.

“My prayer has always been that this state will never go back to those periods, because if we have patience, all the things we want would be achieved,” he added.

Delivering a message on behalf of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Senator Rashidi Ladoja encouraged Oyo residents to remain patient, steadfast and hopeful in the face of challenges.

Deputy Governor Lawal, while addressing journalists after the Eid prayers, urged the Muslim community to uphold the values of empathy, love, and kindness.

Lawal also commended Makinde for prioritizing workers’ welfare through prompt salary payments.

Professor Oloso led special prayers for the governor’s continued success, expressing gratitude for Makinde’s administration’s support of the Muslim community.

Makinde further urged political leaders to remain committed to improving the lives of their citizens, noting that despite economic challenges, perseverance and strong leadership would lead to progress.