Oyo gov extends transport subsidy, loan guarantor options

Abdullateef Fowewe

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced the extension of the state’s subsidised transport scheme for another six months and directed an immediate change to the guarantor system for the state’s agricultural credit loans.

This initiative is aimed at easing the burden of transportation costs for residents.

This was disclosed in the State broadcast by Makinde to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day on Tuesday.

In August last year, Governor Seyi Makinde deployed 30 buses in Ibadan to alleviate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal. An additional 16 buses were later added for Saki, Iseyin, Ogbomoso, Oyo, and Ibarapa, bringing the total to 46 under the SAfER programme.

He said, “As your government, we use this Independence Day celebration to reaffirm our commitment to making decisions that will serve the best interests of the good people of Oyo State.

“This is why I have directed that guarantors for small scale loans to agripreneurs through the Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State will no longer be limited to civil servants but will now include Community Development Associations (CDAs), farmers’ associations and artisans’ associations.

“We have also extended the subsidy on transportation for another 6 months under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) scheme. The subsidy will now also include a subsidy on trucks for produce evacuation.”

Makinde stated that farmers seeking loans can now be guaranteed not only by civil servants but also by community associations, farmers’ groups, and artisanal associations.

“This subsidy will be implemented through the various trader and agriculture unions. Now is not the time to emphasise what divides us. Rather, we must hold fast to the things that unite us—our shared identity, our culture, and our history.

“We must always remember who our real enemies are, so we do not turn against our friends. We will as a government continue to give strength to democratic institutions because we believe this is one of the best ways to build stronger states and nations. I also want to take this opportunity to reassure you that the security of our people remains a top priority.

“During your celebrations, you may notice an increased security presence. Do not be alarmed—they are there to ensure your safety and guarantee a peaceful celebration.

“So, as we celebrate Nigeria at 64, let us not dwell on the difficulties of the present. Instead, let us use this period to reflect on what we can do different, so that the future of our nation will be better than the past,” Makinde said.