₦airaland Forum

OYO STATE GOVERNMENT
 
PRESS STATEMENT ON FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION FUND FOLLOWING THE BODIJA, IBADAN EXPLOSION OF JANUARY 16, 2024
 
Background
 
Following the unfortunate explosion that occurred on January 16, 2024, in the Bodija area of Ibadan, and being aware that intervention funds exist at the federal level for states facing emergencies, His Excellency, the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, formally wrote to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, requesting approval for financial support to assist the state in managing the disaster.
 
The request 
 
In the letter dated January 19, 2024, Governor Makinde outlined the immediate steps already taken by the Oyo State Government to mitigate the impact of the explosion. These measures included the deployment of earth-moving equipment to aid search-and-rescue efforts; the hospitalisation of injured victims with all medical bills fully covered by the state government; the deployment of ambulances and medical personnel to the scene; and the provision of accommodation for displaced victims in hotels at the expense of the state government.
 
The Governor then highlighted additional areas where federal assistance was required. These included: clearing of rubble and debris as part of continued search and rescue operations; immediate integrity tests on buildings within the affected axis and demolition of unsafe structures; compensation for owners of affected properties; reconstruction of Old Bodija and its environs; expansion of the emergency response hub; environmental impact assessment; logistics support and reimbursement; and infrastructural development required to restore normalcy to Bodija and surrounding communities after the massive destruction.
 
To address these needs, the Oyo State Government estimated the cost of intervention at N100 billion and requested the President’s approval for that amount.
 
The president, however, approved N50 billion— half of the requested sum.
 
Purpose of the approval 
 
The purpose of the approved fund was clearly stated by the Federal Government as “Support for the reconstruction of Old Bodija and environs after the Bodija explosion.” (See memo dated 29 August, 2024, from the Accountant General of the Federation to the Minister of Finance, released by the political agent of the Federal Government, Mr. Ayo Fayose).
 
Special account for the money
 
Following the approval, an Oyo State Government Infrastructure Support Account (No. 2045199879) was opened with First Bank of Nigeria for the intervention fund.
 
Out of the approved ₦50 billion, the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), released ₦30 billion to Oyo State on November 4, 2024.
 
Where is the money?
 
As of December 31, 2025, the N30 billion remains untouched in the Oyo State infrastructure account with the First Bank. Interested members of the public may verify this information with the bank.
 
The Oyo State Government has deliberately refrained from utilising the N30 billion already released in recognition of the fact that the remaining N20 billion has remained withheld by the relevant federal agencies for reasons that have not been communicated to the state.
 
Given the disgraceful drama of the last couple of days from the Federal Government on the approval, the government of Oyo State is convinced on the wisdom of its decision to 'wait and see' before deciding what to do with the money.
 
The ₦20 billion balance 
 
Almost two years after the disaster, the Federal Government is yet to release the outstanding balance of ₦20 billion from the approved sum of ₦50 billion.

The Oyo State Government remains committed to securing the balance of the approved funds to comprehensively address the damage caused by the explosion to both public and private properties. This is particularly important given the scale of the challenges faced by the state and the victims, many of whom have already been supported within the financial capacity of the state government.
 
Expenditure on Bodija
 
Following the explosion, Nigerians are aware of the swift and sustained efforts of the Oyo State Government, which significantly mitigated the effects of the disaster. The state government did not wait for federal intervention, which came in November, 2024, almost a year after the incident.
 
As of January 1, 2026, the Oyo State Government has spent N24.6 billion from its own resources on Bodija and its environs in direct response to the explosion and its consequences. This includes N20.141 billion spent on the reconstruction of infrastructure in Bodija and surrounding areas, as well as N4.085 billion paid as support and compensation to victims of the explosion. These expenditures were fully borne by the Oyo State Government.
 
Intervention Funds Nationwide
 
Documents released by the Federal Government through its agent, Mr Ayo Fayose, indicate that a total of N915.5 billion was approved as intervention funds for states across the country. The list of beneficiary states shows that one South-West state received ₦150 billion, while another received ₦50 billion. Oyo State, despite experiencing one of the most devastating incidents, received one of the lowest allocations among beneficiary states. Interested members of the public may consult the list for verification.
 
Disclosure of Funds
 
Special intervention funds, when released, are received as capital grants. In line with standard practice and legal requirements, such funds are subjected to the budgeting process before expenditure and are duly reflected in the financial statements of the state. They do not require special public announcements upon receipt. This explains why other states that received significantly larger amounts did not publicly advertise the receipt of such funds.
 
Conclusion
 
The Oyo State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, appreciates the continued support and understanding of the people of the state. The government particularly thanks the people for their discernment in seeing through attempts by desperate political actors to exploit the 2024 tragic events of Bodija to gain undeserved foothold in our state for personal and political gains.
 
The Oyo State Government has nothing to hide and will continue to engage the public transparently on all issues, including this one.
 
Governor Makinde remains committed to serving the people of Oyo State faithfully, truthfully, and with utmost respect for the social contract that binds government to the governed. He has never denied anyone what is legally due to them and will not do so.
 
The Governor and the Government of Oyo State wish the people a happy, peaceful, and prosperous 2026.

Signed:

Professor Musibau Babatunde Prince Dotun Oyelade
Hon. Commisioner for Budget and Economic Planning Hon. Commisioner for Information

For: Oyo State Government

The Oyo State Government should utilize the funds and seek for the balance later.

Why are you keeping the money? Do you want to use it to push for you presidential ambition

fuckJones:
Why are you keeping the money? Do you want to use it to push for you presidential ambition

Okay, he should blow it like Tinubu. The money will be used to buy votes in Oyo and Osun states in 2027. That is 2 states down against Tinubu 2027.🤩
Fayose in the mud.

Haaaa!

The money belongs to citizens of Oyo State especially those affected by the disaster. Why keeping it.

That is the problem with politically motivated gesture. Federal Government should have stipulate what the Fund should be used for.

Long, Medium and immediate Term. Now Makinde got money, he doesn't know what to do with it.

Now F.Govt have a reason for not releasing the other 20b.

SmartyPants:
Makinde wrote the fed and stipulated already what he wanted to use it for. Read the write up for a better understanding if necessary sir.

But now he is not using the money for its purpose, that is underperformance. Sure, he wrote/requested out of needs, not forced to.

Regarding the 50B, Makinde should just allow the dust to rest. He is fighting with friends, he stands little chance

Hi

Ecstasy154:
The Oyo State Government has disclosed that the N30 billion released by the Federal Government as part of the intervention fund approved for the January 16, 2024, Bodija explosion in Ibadan, the state capital, has remained untouched two years after the tragic incident.

The government also revealed that the Federal Government is yet to release the outstanding N20 billion balance from the N50 billion approved to support the reconstruction of Old Bodija and its environs.

In a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, on Thursday, the state government disclosed that the N30 billion remains untouched in the state government infrastructure support account number 2045199879 with the FirstBank.

The statement partly reads, “Following the unfortunate explosion that occurred on January 16, 2024, in the Bodija area of Ibadan, and being aware that intervention funds exist at the federal level for states facing emergencies, His Excellency, the Governor of Oyo State, Engr ‘Seyi Makinde, formally wrote to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, requesting approval for financial support to assist the state in managing the disaster.

“In the letter dated January 19, 2024, Governor Makinde outlined the immediate steps already taken by the Oyo State Government to mitigate the impact of the explosion.

“These measures included the deployment of earth-moving equipment to aid search-and-rescue efforts; the hospitalisation of injured victims with all medical bills fully covered by the state government; the deployment of ambulances and medical personnel to the scene; and the provision of accommodation for displaced victims in hotels at the expense of the state government.

“The governor then highlighted additional areas where federal assistance was required. These included: clearing of rubble and debris as part of continued search and rescue operations; immediate integrity tests on buildings within the affected axis and demolition of unsafe structures; compensation for owners of affected properties; reconstruction of Old Bodija and its environs; expansion of the emergency response hub; environmental impact assessment; logistics support and reimbursement; and infrastructural development required to restore normalcy to Bodija and surrounding communities after the massive destruction.

“To address these needs, the Oyo State Government estimated the cost of intervention at N100 billion and requested the President’s approval for that amount. The president, however, approved N50 billion— half of the requested sum. The purpose of the approved fund was clearly stated by the Federal Government as ‘Support for the reconstruction of Old Bodija and environs after the Bodija explosion.” (See memo dated 29 August, 2024, from the Accountant General of the Federation to the Minister of Finance, released by the political agent of the Federal Government, Mr. Ayo Fayose).”

The statement added that the state government explained that it deliberately refrained from accessing the funds because the remaining N20 billion was being withheld by relevant federal agencies, without any official explanation.

“Following the approval, an Oyo State Government Infrastructure Support Account (No. 2045199879) was opened with FirstBank of Nigeria for the intervention fund. Out of the approved N50 billion, the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, released N30 billion to Oyo State on November 4, 2024.

“As of Thursday, December 31, 2025, the N30 billion remained untouched in the Oyo State infrastructure account with the First Bank. Interested members of the public may verify this information with the bank.

“The Oyo State Government has deliberately refrained from utilising the N30 billion already released in recognition of the fact that the remaining N20 billion has remained withheld by the relevant federal agencies for reasons that have not been communicated to the state.

“Given the disgraceful drama of the last couple of days from the Federal Government on the approval, the government of Oyo State is convinced of the wisdom of its decision to ‘wait and see’ before deciding what to do with the money. Almost two years after the disaster, the Federal Government has yet to release the outstanding balance of N20 billion from the approved sum of N50 billion.

“The Oyo State Government remains committed to securing the balance of the approved funds to comprehensively address the damage caused by the explosion to both public and private properties. This is particularly important given the scale of the challenges faced by the state and the victims, many of whom have already been supported within the financial capacity of the state government”, the statement continued.

Concluding, the statement noted, “Following the explosion, Nigerians are aware of the swift and sustained efforts of the Oyo State government, which significantly mitigated the effects of the disaster. The state government did not wait for federal intervention, which came in November 2024, almost a year after the incident.

“As of today, January 1, 2026, the Oyo State government has spent N24.6 billion from its own resources on Bodija and its environs in direct response to the explosion and its consequences. This includes N20.141 billion spent on the reconstruction of infrastructure in Bodija and surrounding areas, as well as N4.085 billion paid as support and compensation to victims of the explosion. These expenditures were fully borne by the Oyo State Government.

“Documents released by the Federal Government through its agent, Mr Ayo Fayose, indicate that a total of N915.5 billion was approved as intervention funds for states across the country. The list of beneficiary states shows that one South-West state received N150 billion, while another received N50 billion. Oyo State, despite experiencing one of the most devastating incidents, received one of the lowest allocations among beneficiary states. Interested members of the public may consult the list for verification.

“Special intervention funds, when released, are received as capital grants. In line with standard practice and legal requirements, such funds are subjected to the budgeting process before expenditure and are duly reflected in the financial statements of the state. They do not require special public announcements upon receipt. This explains why other states that received significantly larger amounts did not publicly advertise the receipt of such funds.

“The Oyo State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr ‘Seyi Makinde, appreciates the continued support and understanding of the people of the state. The government particularly thanks the people for their discernment in seeing through attempts by desperate political actors to exploit the 2024 tragic events of Bodija to gain an undeserved foothold in our state for personal and political gains.

“The Oyo State Government has nothing to hide and will continue to engage the public transparently on all issues, including this one. Governor Makinde remains committed to serving the people of Oyo State faithfully, truthfully, and with utmost respect for the social contract that binds government to the governed. He has never denied anyone what is legally due to them and will not do so. The Governor and the Government of Oyo State wish the people a happy, peaceful, and prosperous 2026.”

https://punchng.com/ibadan-explosion-fgs-n30bn-fund-untouched-n20bn-balance-unpaid-oyo/

very stupid governor .use the part payments to solve 80 percent of the problem

Ecstasy154:
For: Oyo State Government

country of rogues, corruption everywhere

You should have done what Mimiko did for Obasanjo. You will spend some and deposit d rest into federation account secretly. You will advertise d projects on newspapers (fake or real) , mention d overall expenditure.

So when Fayose come out to talk , u will paste d recept in newspaper.

U are not smart enough. Your presidential ambition is over. Go and receive lecture from Akpabio and Mimiko. You are a dull student of Nigeria politics . There is no permanent friends in politics.

The money was a bait and u fell for it. Awoof

Wike will explain tire when they are done with him.

The fear of EFCC is the begining of wisdom 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Dear Governor Seyi, can you show us the interest that has accrued on the deposit for two years too?

but why you denied it before??
That you don't receive dime from federal government,

Seyi Makinde should tell us the interest of this money? All this damage control to cover up doesn't add up here. We are not novice .

Dem give you money to share for those in distress you keep am. Who does that?

From we didn't see money to, we only got 30 billion and now we haven't touched the money. Continue deceiving ur people.

Fowl Yash ooooooooooooooo.
Fayose don blow fowl Yash

Untouched ke😂😂😂😂
Nah so nah
Money meant to compensate victims was kept somewhere. To what intent and purpose please
Seyi Makinde is definitely that man Obi has been taking advice from

Seyi Makinde has no iota of shame!

After denial, he was forced to admit and shamelessly now accounting for what he previously denied.

In a sane country, no way he wouldn’t have faced the law and sentenced to death.

People did less than what he did before Kim Jon Hun ripped them apart with 120mm bullets.

Very wicked governor. People are in pains and agony needed supports to.rebuild their lives and you kept the funds for 2 yrs ?

And you keep abusing the APC FG?
God will purnished all of you plus your idiotic supporters here.

Why did it take them time to talk? They have moved money into the acct. Smh trust nigeria politician

Where the interest on this money dey go for over one year now?

Secondly it disappointing that the Oyo state government received this money for over a year and just let it 'gather dust' just because you knew 'a day like this will come'. So if you properly applied the money for its intended use and keep good accounting records wouldn't that make better sense? Must you wait for the total money to be released before you start? Meanwhile people who sorely need the intervention are suffering. I'm disappointed in this governor. He allowed politics to overshadow the more important public good for which that money was released.


Nb: and let nobody tell you that they would leave 30bn in a commercial bank without collecting interest on the money. Where is the interest on that money going to?

EponObi:
Why are our governments like this? Kai!

They FG gave you 30b naira since

Oga at the top is keeping the money for us ...any problem with that...

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

But there was a denial that the FG gave Makinde 50 Billion.

omowolewa:
Haaaa!

The money belongs to citizens of Oyo State especially those affected by the disaster. Why keeping it.

That is the problem with politically motivated gesture. Federal Government should have stipulate what the Fund should be used for.

Long, Medium and immediate Term. Now Makinde got money, he don't know what to do with it.

Now F.Govt has a reason for not releasing the other 20b.

FG should keep the money na. Its their personal fund. See government with accountability, showing transparency. Let Tinubu show transparency from his Lagos years till date, if he will not go jail from presidency

Medicine after death! Thanks to Ayo Fayose revelations!

"Documents released by the Federal Government through its agent, Mr Ayo Fayose, "

Interesting interesting statement from the Official government media.
Interesting!

Validated:
Okay, he should blow it like Tinubu. The money will be used to buy votes in Oyo and Osun states in 2027. That is 2 states down against Tinubu 2027.🤩
Fayose in the mud.

Nwosu, don’t worry
We are richer than this
We would spend a fraction of this to buy gala and malt to buy votes in the billionaire enclaves of Abia and Anambra in 2027 😂😂😂
Peter Obi in the mud

Secrets unfolding…
Let’s see how it goes

muyico:
but why you denied it before??
That you don't receive dime from federal government,

Deny what? He never denied it. Why are Nigerians like this, creating lies after lies to support a con federal government.

So Seyi Is waiting for those who need the money to die or move on?

We decided to hold on to your insurance payouts

No difference between this man and palliative hoarders.

Ẹjọ, money was deposited in November 2024 and we are in January 2026, will you like to tell us interest ti o ti yield, abi na arrangee?

If you believe FG would send money for explosion since November 2024 and it would truly remain untouched till January 2026 laise owo ori esu, you can believe anything in this world 🤣🤣. How can a state government deposited 30 billion in a bank for over a year untouched without yielding interest? You mean we just deposited money to the bank for them to be using to run their business? Na state owned bank?

Money received for a purpose in November 2024 and another money was removed from the state purse to carry out the same project and we see graduates defending this rubbish?

When was the project carried out? Before November 2024 or after? If it was before, what happened for more than one year that the money has not been returned? If it was after, why removing from state purse when you have money from FG already?

Nigeria is so unlucky not with only leaders but citizens. We have many unpatriotic, selfish citizens that can defend anything for their own interest in this country.

Cry oh nation because your tears is not enough.