You’ve Expended N11.57 Billion Taxpayers’ Money on Overseas Trips in 2024, Yet We Don’t Have Any Foreign Direct Investment in Oyo State—Alao Fires Makinde
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and former gubernatorial aspirant, Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao (Allow Alao), has accused Governor Seyi Makinde of using N11.57 billion of taxpayers money on overseas trips in 2024, without any foreign direct investment (FDI) resulting from such expenditures.
Also, in a press statement from his media office, he challenged Governor Seyi Makinde to come out and explain to the people of the State how he used N11.57 billion of taxpayers money on overseas trips without any investment coming to the State.
“There hasn’t been a single Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) you have brought to Oyo State since you came on board for the second term. You have used taxpayers money for globetrotting without anything to show for it. You even took members of your cabinet on a European tour; up till now, there is nothing to show for it.
“Oyo State is currently facing significant food insecurity challenges. Yet our governor has failed to prioritise agriculture; instead he is favouring real estate for pecuniary motives.
“Despite his promise in 2019 and the appointment of a Botswana citizen as special adviser, Oyo State is yet to export a single bag of maize to Botswana. He has overlooked the farm settlement initiative that could have significantly boosted food production in Oyo State and the entire Southwest.
“Inflation rate in Oyo state has increased from 37.30 percent in March 2024 to 38.37 percent in April 2024, indicating a growing economic strain.
“The food inflation rate also rose, from 41.83 percent in March to 43.53 percent in April. Even now, 88% of households in Oyo state experience some level of food insecurity, and 40.2% face severe food insecurity.
He added, “The time has come for our governor to be told the truth about seeming leadership incompetence. He should stop deceiving himself like Narcissus, who fell in love with his reflection in the pool of water. Our governor should be reminded that agriculture will play a greater part in salvaging our already bastardised economy. As the governor promised to fix roads leading to the entertainment centre, he commissioned a few days ago and also provided the venue with Operation Burst and Amotekun; he should replicate this in all farm settlements in Oyo state.
“As food insecurity worsens in Oyo State, it is essential for the governor to promote both commercial and individual farming. This initiative is crucial for achieving food sufficiency and ensuring that diverse agricultural outputs meet the nutritional needs of the growing population.
Alao emphasised that agriculture is vital for global sustainability and supporting livelihoods worldwide.
“The Governor should equally develop agriculture to create agro-processing job opportunities for the teeming youths in the State”, Alao emphasised.
