The Executive Governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde has on Saturday maintained that the case of corruption, embezzlement and contract manipulation have reduced to the barest minimum in his administration as the Governor of Oyo State.
Makinde, who made this known in an interview on the radio programme — “State Affairs with Edmund Obilo on Splash FM”, noted that unlike the past administration in the state his government has implemented efforts to make people get values for their money and make nothing hidden when it comes to awarding projects to contractors.
Makinde further stressed that part of the purpose which necessitated the establishment of Oyo State Anti – Corruption Agency (OYSACA), had made Oyo residents enjoy quality project and development in the state.
“Unlike what we have seen in the past, we all know that in our administration, nothing is hidden.
“The scenario where you call contractors to the corner and share certain percentage from project award had been made impossible in our tenure.
“This is part of why we introduced our anti-graft agency, to make Oyo people see the values for their money”, he stated.
Speaking on how his government had been able to break haven and remain committed to the payment of workers’ salaries on the 25th of every month, Makinde maintained that his government has employed creativity to achieve alot despite financial case.
“When we came in, we didn’t face payment of salary alone. About 4.5 billion was the first salary I signed. We followed the new minimum wage. The last administration added around 1 billion naira to the wages bill. They increased subventions from 50% to 100% maybe as a trap to the incoming government.
“We have been able to sort backlogs of pensions, backlogs of leave bonuses. We have achieved appreciable increase in IGR to 3.5 billion. We have been a creative government. We bring an alternative project funding scheme into the government, this is why we have been able to actualise many projects. We have been able to achieve much from this approach.
“The 50 billion naira we loaned was used on road dualisation, the interchanges and the circular roads. You have to take certain decisions on the goal. The speed at which the work is being done would have lasted for over 50 years before it is completed. This road which is about 110km is of great economic importance”, he said
In the meantime, Makinde has stated that investors are gradually coming in, noting that the French came in to give Oyo a concessional loan of 50 million dollars to improve Oyo healthcare facilities.
“The French Government are also working with us on Agri – business and most especially the Farmer’s market in Akufo.
“We were given the concession for 0.09 percent interest with moratorium of 15 years and payment stretch for over 40 years. This is almost like a grant, and you won’t be given this if they aren’t sure you will utilise it well.
“I ran a company privately from zero, and up until when I took office the company has done business close to 750 – 800 million US Dollar. I have a very clear understanding of how to expand and gain economic benefits”, he added.
Add Comment