In a bid to cushion the economic pressure faced by workers during festive periods, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has rolled out a welfare initiative targeting civil and public servants ahead of the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
Through the state’s Agricultural Credit Corporation, the government distributed subsidised rams, bags of rice, vegetable oil, and other food items to 2,500 workers at an event held on Saturday at the corporation’s headquarters in Total Garden, Ibadan.
The Chairman of the Corporation, Taofeek Akeugbagold, who supervised the distribution, explained that the effort was part of the administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers during key festivities.
“The initiative is a deliberate response to the economic hardship that often intensifies during festive seasons,” Akeugbagold said. “Governor Makinde directed us to intervene and provide relief to workers so they can celebrate Ileya joyfully and without undue financial stress.”
He added that the commodities were made available at significantly subsidised rates, far below market value, with a flexible three-month repayment plan to be deducted from the beneficiaries’ salaries.
“This isn’t the first time we’re doing this,” Akeugbagold noted. “Over 5,000 public workers have so far benefited from the programme. We are working to scale it up in the future to reach even more workers.”
One of the beneficiaries, Kunle Adeyemo, expressed appreciation for the intervention, saying it had brought much-needed relief.
“This gesture means a lot to my family,” Adeyemo said. “With the current prices of food and livestock, it would have been difficult to prepare adequately for the celebration.”
The Makinde-led government has continued to prioritize policies that promote the well-being of the workforce. Saturday’s distribution is part of a broader plan aimed at fostering economic support and social inclusion in the state.
Akeugbagold assured that the scheme would be sustained and expanded, reflecting the administration’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life for Oyo’s workers.
“This is not just a seasonal gesture; it is a policy of compassion and inclusive governance,” he affirmed.
