The Oyo State Government has distributed festive commodity advances to 2,500 civil and public servants across the state in preparation for the 2025 Ileya (Eid-el-Kabir) celebration.
The distribution was carried out by the state Chairman of the Agricultural Credit Corporation, Taofeek Akeugbagold, at the corporation’s premises at Total Garden in Ibadan, the state capital, on Saturday.
According to Akeugbagold, the commodities included rams, bags of rice, vegetable oil, and other food items.
He explained that the initiative forms part of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration’s efforts to support the welfare of civil and public servants, particularly during festive seasons.
Akeugbagold noted that “over 5,000 public workers have benefited from the scheme so far,” adding that the commodities were made available at subsidised rates well below current market prices.
“The beneficiaries will repay the cost of the commodities through a structured repayment plan spread over three months, with deductions made directly from their salaries.”
The chairman emphasised that the intervention was necessitated by the recent surge in prices of essential commodities, especially during festive periods.
“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 further reiterated the corporation’s readiness to expand the scheme in future editions to accommodate more workers, as part of the government’s broader agenda to promote inclusive economic support and social stability.
Akeugbagold also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritising the well-being of its workforce.
One of the beneficiaries, Kunle Adeyemo, expressed gratitude to the government for the timely intervention.
“This initiative will enable my family to partake in the Ileya celebration in a happy and dignified manner,” he added.