Makinde clear N25bn gratuity backlog for retirees, increase monthly allocation to N3bn

Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde on Thursday, February 26, announced that his administration has cleared a ₦25 billion backlog of gratuities owed to retirees and increased the monthly allocation for clearing both outstanding and current gratuities of state workers from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion.

The governor made the announcement at the 12th Omituntun Ramadan lecture held at the Ibadan north local government motor park, Agodi Gate, Ibadan.

‎Makinde also used the occasion to disclose the level of work completed at the Ladoke Akintola International Airport, pledging that necessary facilities would be put in place to ensure smooth airlifting of Oyo state pilgrims directly from Ibadan to Saudi Arabia on May 3 and 4, 2026.

While appreciating the prayers and support he has received from the Muslim community in the state, the governor announced the donation of one bus each to seven selected mosques across the seven zones of the state to support the propagation of Islam.

Also in his magnanimity governor announced a gift of an SUV to the guest lecturer, Jamiu Ajadi Sanusi (Amiolohun), in recognition of his contributions to the 12th Ramadan lecture.

‎In his sermon, Sheikh Sanusi commended the developmental strides of the Makinde administration while cautioning the governor against sycophants who may not speak the truth to him.

He also lauded the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the state and urged residents to remain content with whatever Allah has bestowed upon them.

‎In separate goodwill messages, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja; former speaker of the Oyo state house of assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Dawud Makanjuola; and the chairman of the state elders’ council and Balogun of Ogbomoso, Saka Balogun, praised the governor for his magnanimity towards Islam.

‎They stressed the need for love, unity, and collective commitment among residents to further advance the development of the state.

‎Special prayers were later offered for the governor and the state by Sheik Faruk Onikijigba.