The Oyo State Government has approved the sum of ₦4.5 billion as financial support to the survivors and victims of the Bodija explosion which occurred on January 16, 2024.
This decision was taken at the Executive Council meeting at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Ibadan, on Wednesday.
According to the state Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the ₦4.5 billion financial support was apart from the over ₦200 million that the state government had expended on accommodation, feeding, hospital and security bills following the tragic explosion.
Also the Council approved the recommendation of the 10-man committee to revoke the titles of two properties off Adeyi Avenue, the scene of the explosion.
The decision to revoke the titles, Oyelade stated, was in the overall interest of the public, adding that the government would build a monument on the location of the revoked land in memory of victims of the explosion.
“The Council frowned at the spate of disinformation, half-truths and mischievous lies being peddled by persons purportedly representing the residents on the role which the state government has played in the Bodija explosion saga.
“The Council said such insinuations are unfair and mischievous and the government will not be discouraged in taking its time to do what is just for her citizens,” it was stated in a release by the commissioner.
He also disclosed that some beneficiaries were engaged in family disputes which required painstaking intervention of the 10-man committee.
“The government will also return to the owners other properties adjoining the Ground Zero to rebuild their homes at the advice of government-paid structural engineers.
“Government will, through the Ministry of Justice, ensure effective prosecution of the suspects so far arraigned in court, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend other suspects linked to the case but at large,” Oyelade stated.
In another development, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, has advised citizens and residents of the state to discountenance any rumour concerning the current cabinet reshuffling.
The governor said this during the Executive Session of the State Council meeting.
He said he took the decision to discourage ministerial complacency and to assure the people that he plans to end the tenure of his administration in 2027 with the same zeal with which he started in 2019.
According to the Commissioner for Information, Governor Makinde said he does not plan to drop any member of his cabinet except, anyone who is found to be distracted.
“He said the decision to reshuffle was done to inject fresh efficiency into the system, going forward,” Prince Oyelade added in the release.
