In a bid to cushion the economic strain of the festive period, the Oyo State Government has extended commodity support to 2,500 civil and public servants across the state ahead of the 2025 Ileya (Eid-el-Kabir) celebration.
The distribution exercise took place at the premises of the Agricultural Credit Corporation, located at Total Garden in Ibadan, the state capital, on Saturday. It was overseen by the corporation’s Chairman, Taofeek Akeugbagold, who explained that the initiative was part of the state’s ongoing commitment to workers’ welfare.
The package included rams, bags of rice, vegetable oil, and other staple food items, all offered at prices significantly lower than prevailing market rates. Akeugbagold stated that more than 5,000 public workers have benefited from the programme to date.
He noted that the commodity advance will be repaid over a three-month period, with deductions made directly from beneficiaries’ salaries. The structured repayment plan is designed to ease the financial burden on workers while allowing them to enjoy the festive season.
Highlighting the rationale behind the initiative, Akeugbagold said, “Governor Makinde directed the corporation to provide this form of economic relief to workers to ensure they celebrate the festival with ease and joy, despite current economic challenges.”
He emphasized that the scheme was introduced in response to the steep rise in the cost of essential goods during festive periods. The initiative, he added, aims not only to support workers but also to promote economic inclusion and social stability within the state.
Looking ahead, Akeugbagold reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to expand the programme in future editions to accommodate a broader section of the state workforce, in line with the government’s agenda to promote inclusive welfare policies.
One of the beneficiaries, Kunle Adeyemo, commended the state government for its proactive gesture, saying, “This initiative will enable my family to partake in the Ileya celebration in a happy and dignified manner.”
The scheme is seen as a reflection of Governor Seyi Makinde’s continuous prioritization of worker welfare and economic resilience in the face of national economic difficulties.
What you should know
The Oyo State Government’s festive commodity advance initiative is part of a wider welfare scheme introduced under Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, aimed at ensuring public servants can celebrate major religious holidays without undue financial pressure.
