Makinde Relaxes Agric Loans To Farmers, Extends Subsidised Transport Scheme By Six-months

Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has directed an immediate change in the guarantor system for the state’s agricultural credit loan for small farmers to allow others outside the civil service access the facility.

This, and the six-month extension for the state’s Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) Transport Scheme, which has seen intra-city and inter-city transportation in state government-owned Omituntun Buses subsidised by more than half, are parts of the state’s measures to keep hope alive as Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence Anniversary.

The governor who promised to continue with people-oriented decisions, has now allowed other interested residents outside the civil service to be guaranteed by community associations, farmers and artisanal associations, maintaining those decisions are to mitigate the economic challenges facing the people.

Governor Makinde in his Independence Day Address relayed on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), also directed that a subsidised transport scheme also be introduced on trucks for crop transportation across the state.

These measures, according to the governor, were introduced to reaffirm the government’s commitment to making decisions that will serve the best interests of the people amid the cloudy economic times in the country.

He said: “Today, we celebrate another milestone in Nigeria’s history as we mark 64 years of nationhood. Our journey has been one of highs and lows. We have walked, crawled, run, stumbled, and risen again. We have experienced moments of pride and moments of reflection. But above all, we have demonstrated unwavering resilience.

“Here in Oyo State, you have exemplified that same resilience by supporting our administration over the past five years as we moved from accelerated development to sustainable development with a focus on moving the people of our dear state from poverty to prosperity.

“They say the darkest hour comes just before dawn. As we face these cloudy economic times, we must remember our resilient spirit. Be rest assured that the sun will rise.

“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 six months under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) scheme. The subsidy will now also include a subsidy on trucks for evacuation of farm produce. 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 differently, so that the future of our nation will be better than the past. Let us focus on the real hope that lies ahead.”