Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has denied receiving any funds from the Federal Government as part of the claimed ₦570 billion hardship grant. President Bola Tinubu had announced that the government had disbursed the funds to the 36 states to support their citizens.
However, Governor Makinde clarified that the funds in question were part of the World Bank-assisted NG-CARES project, a COVID-19 recovery program. He explained that the World Bank reimbursed states for expenses already incurred, and not a grant from the Federal Government.
Makinde stated that Oyo State received reimbursements of ₦5.98 billion and ₦822 million for investments made in the program, which focused on supporting smallholder farmers. He emphasized that the NG-CARES program predates the current federal administration and is a loan to states, not a grant.
The governor’s denial comes amid controversy surrounding the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests, which saw violent incidents in some northern states. The Department of State Service has arrested and is investigating sponsors of the violent protests, including seven Polish nationals.
