In a bid to ease the financial burden on its Muslim workers, the Oyo State government has introduced a subsidy on essential items such as ram, rice, and vegetable oil for its civil servants. This initiative, aimed at providing relief during challenging economic times, was announced by Sheikh Taofeek Akeugbagold, Chairman of the Oyo State Agricultural Credit Corporation, during a recent distribution event in Ibadan.

The program, designed to support over 2,500 civil servants, reflects the state government’s commitment to the well-being of its employees. According to Akeugbagold, the state government, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, plans to sustain this initiative, which will run until June 4. To make the subsidies accessible, the government has arranged for repayments to be deducted from the beneficiaries’ salaries in three installments, starting from August.

The beneficiaries have welcomed this move, praising the government’s decision as wise and timely. For instance, Mr. Muideen Ogundele, a civil servant from the State Ministry of Education, expressed his gratitude, stating that the subsidy has come as a big relief for workers who struggled to afford the high cost of ram in the open market. Similarly, Yekeen Taiwo and Alhaja Balkis Omilowo, representing the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority and the Teaching Service Commission, respectively, appreciated the program, highlighting how it has made it easier for civil servants to purchase ram at an affordable price.

This move by the Oyo State government demonstrates its awareness of the economic challenges faced by its workers and its willingness to provide support. By subsidizing essential items and making them more accessible, the government aims to improve the living standards of its civil servants, especially during significant religious festivals. The initiative not only showcases the government’s concern for its employees’ welfare but also underscores its efforts to mitigate the impact of economic hardships on the community.