Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has stated that his administration has maintained economic stability by ensuring the monthly payment of approximately “N24 billion” in salaries to state and local government employees.
Makinde shared this information on Sunday when a group of “Muslim clerics,” “traditional rulers,” and “political officeholders” visited his “Ikolaba, Ibadan” residence after attending “Eid-el-Fitri” prayers at the “Agodi Eid Ground.”
According to a statement from his media adviser, “Sulaimon Olanrewaju,” the governor emphasized that his administration’s dedication to economic growth has attracted private sector investments to the state.
The governor stated, “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 will be achieved.”
He further added, “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.”
“Similarly, on the private sector side, a lot of people are now comfortable coming and investing in this 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.”
He urged residents to maintain peace and unity, emphasizing that development flourishes in a stable environment.
He said, “Let me also use the opportunity to say one or two things. When we cast our minds back to “2007,” a lot of things have happened since then. We can all see here how our people from different “political parties” went for the prayer at the “Eid Ground,” and everyone came together and came to greet me as the governor.
“We used to have the opposite of this in this state back then. You would hear people say before “Eid” that this one should not come and that one should not come.
“We passed through those periods and we saw the result and effects and we can compare them with what is obtained 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 the state today.”
The delegation, led by “Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal,” included the “Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja,” “Senator representing Oyo South, Chief Sharafadeen Alli,” “former Deputy Governor and the Peoples Democratic Party Deputy National Chairman, Taofeek Arapaja,” and “Kamil Oloso,” among others.
The governor congratulated the “Muslim Ummah” on the successful completion of “Ramadan” and the celebration of “Eid-el-Fitri 2025.”
He praised them for their prayers, patriotism, and dedication to the state, as well as their support for his administration. He noted that the economic stability and progress being experienced in the state result from the peace and harmony among its residents.
Makinde encouraged all citizens to continue fostering this environment, emphasizing that every positive change they desire for the state is dependent on maintaining peace and unity.
“Let me also say this: “political office holders” across the country should do their best to improve things because it has been a difficult and challenging period for the people, but as they say, tough times don’t last, only tough people do,” he added.
Delivering a message from the “Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin,” the “Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja,” urged the people to remain patient, steadfast, and hopeful despite any challenges.