Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State expressed deep concern over the significant decrease in Nigerians’ purchasing power during President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He highlighted the widespread poverty caused by runaway inflation and economic challenges in his New Year message broadcasted on BCOS.
In his address, Governor Makinde pledged to take decisive actions in 2025 to boost residents’ spending power and alleviate economic hardships.
He also emphasized his commitment to upholding the rule of law in various sectors, acknowledging the resilience of the people of Oyo State in the face of the challenges of 2024.
Makinde said: “What a year 2024 was! Our resilience as a people has been tested almost to the limit. We have faced economic challenges and social tragedies that have been the direct or indirect result of these challenges.
“We were shocked by the January 16, 2024, Bodija incident. We reacted by signing Executive Order 001, 2024, on the safe handling and storage of harmful substances in Oyo State. We also took steps to give support to those who were primarily affected by this incident. We will give them even more support in 2025.
“In December 2024, disaster again struck in our dear state as we lost 35 children to a stampede at Islamic High School, Basorun. We are still mourning this great loss.
“Throughout the year, we struggled with economic challenges as a nation. Inflation rates reduced our spending power and dragged more people into poverty than we were able to help escape poverty. Our hearts are heavy. Still, we are thankful. These tragedies have forced us as a government to go back to the drawing board and take a second look at our strategies, policies, and programmes.
“For example, following the Bodija incident, we took actions that further secured the lives of our people. We are more determined to put further measures in place to ensure that incidents like these never occur again.”
