Connect with us

News

N2.7 billion already expended on fight against COVID-19 – Oyo govt. gives account

Published

5 years ago

on

Oyo state government on Tuesday informed that it has so far spent the sum of Two Billion, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Nine Million (N2,779,000,000) on the effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

The state’s COVID-19 Task Force, which gave the account through the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinola Ojo, disclosed that the amount was spent on setting up of treatment and isolation centres, procurement of palliatives and seedlings for a section of the residents and farmers as well as on procurement of ambulances and the security of the state’s borders, among others.

 

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that Akinola stated these while briefing the press at the Governor’s Office, Agodi Ibadan.
He maintained that the state considered it imperative to inform the public on the expenses on the pandemic in line with the principle of transparency and accountability, which he said Governor Makinde is known for.

 

The commissioner gave the breakdown of the expenses as including: N370 million for the setting up of the Infectious Disease Centre, Olodo, Ibadan; N453 million on security of the state borders; N118 million to provide support for the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan for partnership on testing; N900 million on provision of palliatives and seedling to residents and farmers.
He added that N321 million was expended on procurement of ambulances for the Ministry of Health while the state has also expended N614 million so far on the procurement of reagents, body kits, drugs and other items for testing and treatment of patients.
“In terms of the cost of treatment, if you remember when I gave the breakdown, I said we spent N614 million on other items, which were consumables, such as reagents and body kits and others for patients.”
The commissioner, who stated that the state has approved a total of N15,000 per health worker as hazard allowance added that the allowance would be paid from March 2020.
While asking questions as to why journalists were not classified as frontline workers, he stated that the state would look into the quest and ensure that journalists also benefit from the palliatives.
The Commissioner, on behalf of Governor Makinde, appreciated all residents of the state and well-meaning individuals who have made donations in cash and materials to support the State’s endowment fund on COVID-19.
According to him, the endowment fund so far has realised the sum of N378 million in cash donations, while the total value of cash and kind donations stand at N1.1 billion.
Other donations according to him included the N250 million in cash and medical equipment received from CACOVID and donations of medical equipment from corporate organisations, groups and individuals.
He, however, stated that though the state was promised the sum of N100 million by the Federal Government, it was yet to receive the money from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
According to him, the state was yet to touch the donated cash of N378 million, adding that the funds spent so far are from the coffers of Oyo State.
He also stated that the government would give a full account when the funds donated by well-meaning individuals would be disbursed.

 

The Commissioner said: “In line with the principle of transparency and accountability, which the administration of Engineer Seyi Makinde is known for, it is imperative, especially at this time, that we inform the good people of Oyo State on the amount we have realised so far by your contributions and the expenses incurred in the fight against the global enemy, COVID-19.

 

“Oyo State recorded its first index case on March 20, 2020. The COVID-19 Task Force, headed by Governor Makinde, was constituted for partnership. As of today, we have received a cash donation totalling N378 million from the citizens of Oyo State, well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations. I must appreciate all of you who have donated.
“These donations are publicly available on Oyo State government website and they are regularly updated.
“In terms of expenses and the breakdown, as a state and, as of today, we have spent N2,779,000,000. A breakdown of these expenses shows that we have spent N900 million to provide for palliatives to the indigent amongst us and also provide palliatives to the farmers in the form of seedlings.

 

“The plan of the governor is to set up four world class isolation centres across the regions of the state. And this, without doubt, has come with a cost. We have set up the Olodo Isolation Centre, which is a word class facility. We are in the process of setting up isolation centres in Saki, Ogbomoso and Igbo Ora. All we need to actualise these has been set aside and included in the cost of roughly N2.8billion that has been spent this far.

 

 

“We have also been able to provide security by securing the state borders, which has cost us N450 million. We provided security trucks and the cost of personnel.

 

 

“I must say that health workers have not been neglected because they are the frontline staff who are fighting against this virus. So, we have been able to pay their volunteer and hazard allowances in June and backdated to March. We are going to pay the hazard allowance of all the health workers from March up until June. So, this just gives you a brief analysis of how much we have spent so far on COVID-19 pandemic in Oyo State.

 

 

“We have spent N321 million in buying ambulances for the Ministry of Health to support the fight. On other items like supply of reagents, body kits, we have spent a total of N614 million. If you have all that up, it will give you a total of N2,779,000,000.”

 

Related Topics:
Comments

News

China Hikes Tariffs on US Imports to 84% in Retaliation Against Washington

Published

4 days ago

on

April 9, 2025

By

TOPSHOT – This photo taken on February 26, 2024 shows a Chinese flag at a tourist viewpoint, with the North Korean city of Namyang in the background, next to the Tumen river in the city of Tumen in China’s northeast Jilin province. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)

China has announced a sharp increase in tariffs on US imports, raising the rate from 34 percent to 84 percent, in response to new American trade measures that came into effect on Wednesday.

The decision, confirmed by China’s finance ministry, will take effect from 12:01 p.m. on Thursday. It follows the imposition of sweeping new US tariffs under President Donald Trump, including a hefty 104 percent duty on certain Chinese goods.

“The tariff escalation against China by the United States simply piles mistakes on top of mistakes and severely infringes on China’s legitimate rights and interests,” the ministry said in a strongly worded statement, warning of “firm and forceful” countermeasures.

Beijing has long opposed the increasing use of tariffs as a tool in trade disputes, and accused Washington of undermining the multilateral rules-based global trading system.

In a related move, China’s commerce ministry also announced it would blacklist six American artificial intelligence companies, including Shield AI Inc. and Sierra Nevada Corporation. The companies were accused of either supplying arms to Taiwan or collaborating with the island on military technology.

Continue Reading

News

Nigeria Has Lost One of Its Brightest Minds in Olunloyo – Rep Oseni

Published

7 days ago

on

April 6, 2025

By

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Oyo State Governor, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, describing his death as a monumental loss to the people of Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

In a condolence message made available to the press on Sunday, in Ibadan by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker eulogised the late elder statesman as a distinguished scholar, consummate public administrator, and one of Nigeria’s most intellectually gifted leaders whose legacy would continue to inspire generations.

Dr. Olunloyo, who served as governor of Oyo State during the Second Republic, was reported dead at the age of 89. He was widely respected for his brilliance, administrative acumen, and unmatched depth in mathematics and public discourse.

Oseni noted that the late governor’s contributions to the development of Oyo State, particularly in the areas of education, governance, and intellectual engagement, are indelible footprints in the sands of time.

“We have lost a gem. Dr. Olunloyo was not just a leader, he was a father figure and a repository of wisdom. His demise is a personal loss to me and all lovers of progress and excellence in our society,” he stated.

While commiserating with the Olunloyo family, the people of Ibadan, and the entire Oyo State, he prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed soul and urged all to take solace in the rich and impactful life he lived.

Continue Reading

News

Oseni Congratulates Ajewole, Others on CCII Mandate Renewal

Published

1 week ago

on

April 6, 2025

By

Member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi  Oseni has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Chief Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole and other members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) executives on their re-election.

Chief Ajewole was returned as the President-General of the apex Ibadan socio-cultural association, alongside other members of the executive council, who were all given the mandate to continue piloting the affairs of the association for another two-year term.

In a congratulatory message issued through his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, Oseni described the re-election of the Ajewole-led team as a reflection of the trust and confidence reposed in their leadership by the Ibadan indigenes at home and in the diaspora.

He commended the CCII leadership for its unwavering commitment to the progress, unity, and cultural advancement of Ibadanland while expressing optimism that the renewed mandate would further propel the association to greater heights.

“The re-election of Chief Ajewole and his team is not only a testament to their sterling performance over the last term but also an affirmation of their capacity to continue serving the interest of Ibadan indigenes. I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes for a more impactful tenure,” he said.

The lawmaker further assured the CCII of his continued support for any initiative geared towards the development of Ibadanland and the preservation of its rich heritage.

The CCII is renowned for its pivotal role in mobilising Ibadan sons and daughters towards the socio-economic development of the65 ancient city and beyond.

Continue Reading

Trending