Ahead of the 2025 Ileya (Eid-el-Kabir) festivities, the Oyo State Government has taken a significant step to support its workforce by distributing festive commodity advances to 2,500 civil and public servants. The distribution event was held on Saturday at the Agricultural Credit Corporation’s office in Ibadan.
Taofeek Akeugbagold, the state Chairman of the Agricultural Credit Corporation, detailed that the commodities distributed included rams, rice, vegetable oil, and other food essentials. He explained that this initiative is a direct response to Governor Seyi Makinde’s directive aimed at enhancing the welfare of workers during festive periods.
“Over 5,000 public workers have benefited from the scheme so far,” Akeugbagold said, noting that the items were sold at subsidised prices well below market rates. He added that recipients would repay the cost through a three-month salary deduction plan.
The chairman emphasized that the spike in prices of essential commodities, especially during festivals, necessitated this intervention. “Governor Makinde directed the corporation to provide this form of economic relief to workers to ensure they celebrate the festival with ease and joy, despite current economic challenges,” he said.
Akeugbagold also assured that the program would be expanded in the future to accommodate more workers, reinforcing the government’s commitment to social welfare and economic inclusiveness.
Beneficiary Kunle Adeyemo thanked the government for the support, saying, “This initiative will enable my family to partake in the Ileya celebration in a happy and dignified manner.”
