Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed that the welfare and interest of the people remain paramount to his administration.
He made the declaration today Friday September 18, 2026, when spoke after the Acting Governor, Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, government officials, labour leaders and civil servants welcomed him back from his annual leave.
In the address, Makinde announced the restoration of the wage award for civil servants and transport subsidy to cushion the impact of the recent increase in pump price.
“I want to assure you today that the wage award will be renewed for another three months. We will also continue with the transport subsidy. I want to thank our workers for their efforts, dedication and support,” he said.
The governor directed that a meeting be held between the government and labour leaders, saying his administration was aware of the economic challenges confronting residents and would continue to take steps to address them.
Makinde said the state’s monthly wage bill had risen from N4.5 billion in 2019 to N18 billion, while the minimum wage increased from N18,000 to N80,000.
He commended Lawal for effectively steering the affairs of the state during his absence, saying governance continued seamlessly.
He also urged President Bola Tinubu to comply with constitutional provisions by handing over to the Vice-President whenever he proceeds on leave.
“We have shown in Oyo State that governance does not stop when the head is away. Teamwork ensured effective response to challenges. I am happy to report that I am not disappointed,” he said.
Makinde also dismissed an allegation levelled against him by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the states, that he planned to divert the €55 million French health loan to fund his presidential campaign.
He described the claim as baseless. He said the facility was strictly for healthcare delivery and upgrading health facilities.
According to him, the process began in 2020, with 35 per cent of the facility converted to a grant and an interest rate of 0.0006 per cent secured from the French Government. He said the French Ambassador had offered the facility after visiting him in 2019 as governor-elect.
The governor urged residents to scrutinise the records and promises of those seeking to govern the state, warning that governance involves the destinies of millions.
Earlier, Lawal thanked Makinde for placing Oyo on a trajectory that future administrations could build upon, while Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi, commended the Acting Governor and expressed readiness to receive the 2027 budget.
The Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Fashina, mni, praised Makinde’s commitment to workers’ welfare and disclosed that the 2025 promotion exercise had been largely implemented. She sought approval for the 2026 promotion exercise.
Labour leaders also thanked the governor for his support, saying he had reset Oyo State and that it is now time to reset Nigeria.
The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, PhD; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Adeniyi; commissioners; permanent secretaries; local government chairmen; Dr. Nureni Adeniran, Chairman, APM Apex Campaign Council; and other government functionaries and civil/public servants.