••• Speaks on the controversial €55 million French healthcare financing facility.
By Akinlabi Segun O. | Egalitarian Voice
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has resumed official duties after his annual leave, assuring workers in the state that his administration will renew the wage award for another three months as part of measures to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship.
Egalitarian Voice reports that Makinde made the announcement on Friday while addressing civil and public servants at the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan, following his return to office. He also assured workers that the state’s subsidised transport scheme would continue, saying the measures were aimed at easing the impact of rising petrol prices and other economic pressures on residents.
The governor thanked his Deputy Governor, Barrister Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, who served as Acting Governor during his absence, as well as civil servants for their cooperation throughout the period. Makinde said governance continued seamlessly during his leave and commended Lawal and other government officials for their roles in keeping the state running.
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Speaking on the controversial €55 million French healthcare financing facility, Makinde explained that the fund was secured for the development of healthcare infrastructure and was not intended for political activities. He said the process had been ongoing since 2020 and that 35 per cent of the facility had already been converted to a grant. He also stated that the facility carries a very low interest rate and that a significant portion of the funds would be paid directly to French companies supplying medical equipment to hospitals.
Makinde also acknowledged the difficult economic conditions facing workers and residents, directing that labour leaders and the state government continue discussions on measures to mitigate the impact. He disclosed that Oyo State’s monthly wage bill had risen from about ₦4.5 billion in 2019 to ₦18 billion, while the minimum wage increased from ₦18,000 to ₦80,000 during the period. He said the government would continue to explore measures to support workers within available resources.
Earlier, Acting Governor Lawal thanked Makinde for the opportunity to oversee the affairs of the state during his absence and appreciated workers, security agencies, members of the executive and legislature for their cooperation. The Head of Service, Dr. Adenike Fashina, also commended the administration’s attention to workers’ welfare, noting that the 2025 promotion exercise had been largely implemented and seeking approval for the commencement of the 2026 promotion exercise.
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The governor’s resumption brings to an end the period during which Lawal served as Acting Governor. The renewal of the wage award and continuation of the transport subsidy come amid renewed concerns over the rising cost of living and the effect of increased fuel prices on workers and households across Oyo State.
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