By Ayomide Otitoju
In a bid to ease the financial burden of festive preparations, the Oyo State Government has distributed subsidised rams, rice, vegetable oil, and other food items to 2,500 civil and public servants across the state ahead of the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir (Ileya) celebration.
The distribution exercise was conducted on Saturday at the premises of the Agricultural Credit Corporation in Total Garden, Ibadan, and was overseen by the corporation’s chairman, Taofeek Akeugbagold.
Akeugbagold stated that the intervention is part of Governor Seyi Makinde’s ongoing commitment to improving the welfare of workers, especially during festive periods marked by sharp increases in food prices.
“The commodities were made available at significantly subsidised rates, and repayment will be spread over three months through salary deductions,” he explained.
He added that over 5,000 public servants have benefitted from the scheme to date, with the government planning to scale up future editions to include more workers.
“Governor Makinde directed this initiative as an economic relief measure to ensure that workers can celebrate the festival with joy, regardless of the prevailing economic challenges,” Akeugbagold said.
He further reiterated the administration’s commitment to promoting inclusive economic support and social stability by prioritising the well-being of its workforce.
One of the beneficiaries, Kunle Adeyemo, expressed appreciation for the gesture. “This initiative will enable my family to partake in the Ileya celebration in a happy and dignified manner,” he said.
The festive commodity advance scheme is one of several welfare-driven policies rolled out by the Makinde-led administration aimed at cushioning the effects of inflation and fostering a supportive work environment for public employees.
