Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that 35 per cent of the €55 million French government healthcare financing facility secured by the state has been converted to a grant.
Makinde made the disclosure on Friday while addressing workers in Ibadan after returning from his annual leave.
The governor explained that the facility, which is intended to strengthen healthcare delivery and upgrade health facilities across Oyo State, carries an interest rate of 0.0006 per cent and is repayable over 20 years.
According to him, the funding was initially offered to Oyo State in 2019, shortly after he emerged governor-elect, but its release was delayed following a request by the Federal Government that the facility be shared among other states.
He said the French Government rejected the request and maintained that the funds should be made available to Oyo State.
Makinde said 70 per cent of the facility would be paid directly by the French Government to French companies responsible for supplying medical equipment to hospitals in the state.
The governor’s explanation comes amid recent controversy over the €55 million facility, with the campaign organisation of the Oyo State APC governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, questioning its utilisation and calling for details of its disbursement and implementation.
Makinde, however, maintained that the facility was specifically secured for healthcare development and not for any other purpose.
The state government has previously said the facility would support the upgrade of healthcare infrastructure, including secondary healthcare facilities across Oyo’s five zones.
The governor also announced the renewal of the wage award for Oyo State workers for another three months, citing the economic difficulties confronting workers and residents.
He said the decision was intended to provide additional support to workers amid rising living costs.
“I want to assure you today that the wage award will be renewed for another three months. We will also continue with the transport subsidy,” Makinde said, according to reports of the address.
Radio Nigeria reported that the wage award, put at ₦25,000, would continue alongside the state’s subsidised transport scheme.
Makinde also expressed appreciation to his deputy, Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, who served as Acting Governor during his absence, as well as civil servants for their cooperation during the period.
He said the experience demonstrated that governance could continue effectively through teamwork, while thanking workers for their support and dedication.
The governor’s announcement on the wage award followed his resumption of official duties at the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan, after his annual leave.
