BODIJA RECONSTRUCTION: CLARIFYING THE FACTS ON THE N30BN FEDERAL GRANT AND THE N24.6BN STATE INTERVENTION || ALIMI ABIOLA EFFICY

 

Base on the clarification by The Oyo State Government regarding the N50 billion Bodija Explosion Intervention Fund. To avoid confusion, the public should note that there are two distinct financial streams involved in this project

The tragic Bodija explosion occurred in January 2024. Rather than waiting indefinitely for Federal intervention, Governor Seyi Makinde acted immediately by deploying Oyo State’s internal resources to alleviate suffering and stabilize the affected area because he didn't want the people to suffer while waiting for Abuja. The explosion happened in January 2024, but the Federal funds (N30 billion) didn't arrive until November 2024.

The money the CPS (Chief Press Secretary) referred to as being spent was Oyo State’s own internal resources (roughly N24.6 billion).

​The N30 billion from the FG remains untouched (as the Commissioner stated) because the Governor is waiting for the full N50 billion to be released to execute the entire master plan for Bodija's reconstruction at once.

​Both the CPS and commissioner are correct, they are just talking about different pots of money from different angles.

​The CPS Position is based on (The Work Done): When the CPS spoke about how money was spent, he was highlighting the State's accountability for the relief already provided like Emergency medical care and hospital bills for victims, temporary housing and resettlement support, Relief materials and compensation, Full security architecture to prevent future occurrences, Immediate road and environmental repairs. These was funded by the State to save lives immediately.

​The Commissioner’s Position based on (The Federal Grant): The Commissioner is speaking specifically about the Special Intervention Account in First Bank. He is proving that the Federal money hasn't been "looted" or "diverted" for politics (as critics like Fayose claim) but is sitting securely waiting for the balance.

Oyo Government choose Integrity over Inducement by revealing that the remaining N20 billion was withheld because they refused to pay inducements to get the balance. This principled stance reinforces Governor Seyi Makinde’s reputation for integrity, transparency, and fiscal responsibility, choosing to protect public funds rather than compromise governance standards.

Oyo State Government under Governor Makinde has provided the specific Bank Account Number (First Bank: 2045199879). If you doubt the government, go to the bank.The money is there.They aren't hiding it; They are protecting it.

The disaster happened in January, but the FG only sent partial help in November. If the Governor hadn't spent State's money immediately, victims would have suffered for 10 months.

Hon Alimi Abiola Efficy writes from Oluyole Local Government