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‘Makinde got no N50bn from FG, only N30bn released’ – Aide

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The Oyo State Government has dismissed claims by a former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, that Governor Seyi Makinde received N50bn from the Federal Government in the aftermath of the January 2024 Bodija explosion.

The Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, described the allegation as misleading and deliberately disingenuous, insisting that no such amount was ever disbursed to the state.

According to information scooped from The Nation newspaper by Mega Icon Magazine, Olanrewaju also rejected insinuations that Makinde deliberately kept silent over the alleged funds in order to stash the money to support a future presidential ambition.

Speaking on the controversy, the governor’s aide said the Federal Government did not release N50bn to Oyo State, noting that this was why Fayose was unable to provide evidence of disbursement when challenged.

“Recent comments attributed to former Governor Ayodele Fayose, alleging that the Federal Government handed N50bn to Seyi Makinde and that the governor chose to stay silent while saving up the money to support his presidential ambition are not only misleading, they are deliberately disingenuous,” Olanrewaju said.

“Let us be clear from the outset. The Federal Government did not give Governor Makinde N50bn. This is why Fayose was unable to provide evidence to show the disbursement when asked to do so. In fact, the memo he shared shows what was not disbursed.”

He clarified that what existed was a request and a promise of support, not a full release of the N50bn often quoted in public discourse.
According to him, following the tragic January 2024 explosion in Bodija, which claimed lives, destroyed homes and traumatised residents, President Bola Tinubu did not visit Oyo State, prompting Governor Makinde to travel to Abuja with a detailed report of the incident and a formal request for Federal Government intervention.

He explained that while the Federal Government promised a N50bn support package after the engagement, only N30bn was eventually released.

“A promise, however, is not a release. When it was time to act, only N30bn was released. This partial release was accompanied by demands for inducements tied to the disbursement of the balance. Governor Makinde refused. As a result, the remaining N20bn was withheld,” Olanrewaju stated.

He argued that it would have been inappropriate for the governor to publicly litigate negotiations around a national tragedy, stressing that what mattered was how the funds released were utilised.

Olanrewaju said Makinde acknowledged Federal Government support during the inauguration of a transparent committee set up to oversee the disbursement of relief funds, adding that the committee ensured accountability and proper utilisation of the money.

He disclosed that part of the N30bn released was transferred directly to victims as immediate support, while the remaining funds were deployed for rebuilding and restoration.

“Roads within the affected axis were repaired, reconstruction is ongoing, and a planned memorial at ground zero will honour the lives lost. Policies and security architecture have also been upgraded to ensure that such an incident does not recur in Oyo State,” he said.

The media aide also clarified that the N4.5bn often cited by the state government referred to direct financial support given to victims, representing about 15 per cent of the total funds released.

“Governor Makinde found a way of giving 15 per cent back to landlords and even tenants as direct support in his usual show of empathy, while also ensuring that government carried out necessary interventions,” he added.

Olanrewaju linked the renewed controversy to recent political developments, noting that Makinde had openly declared during a media chat that he would not support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

He said the declaration, which followed Makinde’s admission that he regretted supporting Tinubu in 2023, had triggered political hostilities against the governor.

According to him, attempts to portray Makinde as dishonest or ungrateful were driven by desperation and political mischief.

“Half-truths and outright falsehoods may offer temporary comfort to those who trade in political mischief, but they always collapse under the weight of facts,” Olanrewaju said.

He added that Makinde remained resolute in defending democratic principles, insisting that truth did not need protection, but only to be told fully, clearly and without fear.

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Oyo South: Tegbe, Others Named Oseni Students’ Movement Exco

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A students’ leader, Comrade Tegbe Stephen, has been named Coordinator of the Remi Oseni Students’ Movement ahead of its formal inauguration.

The appointment is part of efforts to strengthen the students’ support base for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Oyo South Senatorial candidate, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, across tertiary institutions in the district.

Also named into the executive are Comrades Wale Ajibike (Bosslee), Isiaka Hammed (General), Salami Olatunji, Adetunji Sultan Adekunle, Oluwatobi Ojo and Onifade Victor.

The announcement was made during a strategic meeting with student leaders in Ibadan. The meeting was attended by the Oyo South APC Youth Leader, Com. Olalekan Olowe, and Oseni’s Personal Assistant, Com. Ibrahim Alabi, popularly known as “Otunba Poly.”

Addressing the gathering, Olowe described the movement as a platform to mobilise students across Oyo South, urging the newly named executive to live up to the confidence reposed in them.

He said: “Students remain one of the strongest forces in any democratic society. We expect you to build a vibrant movement that will unite your colleagues and advance the vision of Hon. Aderemi Oseni across our campuses.”

Olowe added that the executive would be formally inaugurated in the coming weeks, after which the movement would commence full activities across the senatorial district.

Also speaking, Ibrahim Alabi urged the student leaders to remain committed, united and focused on the responsibility entrusted to them.

“This is a call to service. Your duty is to mobilise, educate and inspire students to play active roles in the democratic process. We believe you have the capacity to justify this confidence,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the executive, Tegbe thanked Oseni and the students’ leadership for the opportunity to serve, assuring them of their commitment to the assignment.

“We appreciate the confidence reposed in us and will not take it for granted. Our resolve is to build a formidable students’ movement across Oyo South and ensure that students on every campus are actively mobilised ahead of the election,” he said.

The formal inauguration of the executive is expected to be held soon.

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Oseni celebrates Oyo APC Publicist,  Sadare, extols loyalty, commitment to progressive cause

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated the Oyo State Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Wasiu Olawale Sadare, on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a loyal progressive, effective communicator and committed party stalwart whose contributions have continued to strengthen the party in the state.

Oseni, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, said Sadare has remained a consistent and dependable voice of the party, discharging his responsibilities with professionalism, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress.

He noted that the Oyo APC spokesman has distinguished himself through responsible public communication, constructive engagement and an enduring commitment to promoting the party’s vision, values and programmes.

According to the chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Sadare’s humility, calm disposition and ability to articulate the party’s position with clarity have earned him the respect of party leaders, members and stakeholders, while also contributing to the unity and stability of the APC in Oyo State.

“Alhaji Wasiu Olawale Sadare is a committed progressive whose loyalty and dedication to our great party have remained steadfast over the years. He has served with uncommon diligence and has continued to project the ideals of the APC with dignity, courage and sincerity,” Oseni said.

The lawmaker added that the publicist’s birthday presents another opportunity to celebrate a man whose service has gone beyond official responsibility, noting that his contributions to strengthening internal cohesion and fostering constructive engagement within the party deserve commendation.

“As you mark another year today, I join your family, friends, political associates and the entire progressive family in celebrating God’s faithfulness in your life. Your commitment to duty, humility and sense of responsibility continue to inspire many within our party.”
Oseni prayed for greater accomplishments for the celebrant, asking Almighty Allah to bless him with good health, wisdom and renewed strength to continue serving the party and humanity.

“I pray that Almighty Allah grants you many more years in sound health, abundant grace and greater accomplishments. May He continue to guide your steps, enlarge your coast and reward your selfless service to our great party, Oyo State and our nation. Happy birthday, and many happy returns.”
The statement added that Oseni wished Sadare a memorable celebration and expressed confidence that his wealth of experience, dedication and leadership would continue to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the APC and the advancement of progressive politics in Oyo State.

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Oyo lawmaker, Oseni empowers Agbeni traders with ₦50m grant, rallies support for Tinubu

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Oyo South, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, on Friday strengthened his grassroots engagement with traders by presenting a ₦50 million business grant to members of the Agbeni Amunigun Traders Association in Ibadan.

The empowerment package is expected to benefit traders across the market, which cuts across Ibadan North-West and Ibadan South-West Local Government Areas of Oyo State.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, also donated ₦5 million towards the completion of the association’s secretariat. He further pledged to install solar-powered streetlights within the market to improve security and make the business environment more conducive.

Speaking during an interactive meeting with the association’s leaders, executives and representatives of its 15 zones, the lawmaker described traders as key drivers of the local economy, saying they deserved continuous support to grow their businesses and improve their standard of living.

He also appealed to the traders to sustain their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing confidence that the economic reforms introduced by the administration would deliver lasting benefits for the country.

“The decisions taken by President Tinubu were difficult, but they were necessary. Today, fuel queues are gone, states and local governments receive higher allocations, and more resources are available for infrastructure, education, healthcare and other development projects, including the regular payment of salaries,” he said.

Oseni highlighted ongoing road rehabilitation projects, interventions in the health sector, agricultural support initiatives and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as some of the programmes making a difference under the current administration.

He noted that the student loan scheme had opened up access to higher education for many young Nigerians, while other economic reforms were laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

Looking ahead, Oseni promised that if elected to represent Oyo South in the Senate in 2027, he would facilitate an interest-free revolving loan scheme for traders. He said the programme would be jointly managed by the market leadership and a reputable microfinance bank to ensure genuine traders had access to affordable credit.

“I will continue to support policies and programmes that help small and medium-scale businesses thrive because traders remain the engine of our economy. My goal is to create opportunities that will help your businesses expand and improve the welfare of your families,” he said, assuring the association that the requests presented to him would receive prompt attention.

Earlier, the Babaloja of the market, Alhaji Abdul-Latifu Abdulganiyu; the Baale, Alhaji Muniru Oladayo; the General Chairman of the market, Alhaji Nureni Lawal; the Iyaloja’s representative, Alhaja Basirat Owolanwa; and the youth representative, Alhaji Adeyinka Basiru, praised Oseni for his consistent support for traders and other community-based empowerment programmes.

The market leaders unanimously endorsed his senatorial ambition and pledged to mobilise support for his 2027 bid, saying his record of empowerment, constituency projects and community development had earned him the confidence of the people.

 

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