…As Makinde Says Healthcare Facility Is No Political War Chest As Battle Over 2027 Funding Heats Up
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured residents that the 55-million-euro French concessional loan secured by his administration for healthcare development will not be diverted to fund his political campaign.
Makinde gave the assurance in Ibadan while addressing civil and public servants at the frontage of the Governor’s Office, shortly after returning from a one-month leave.
His statement comes days after the campaign organisation of the Oyo State APC governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, warned against alleged diversion of the facility to politically motivated projects ahead of the 2027 elections.
The organisation called for transparency in the utilisation of the loan and demanded details of its disbursement and implementation.
Responding to the concerns, Governor Makinde described the facility as a major achievement for Oyo State, explaining that the loan originated from an 80-million-euro fund earmarked by the French Treasury in 2020, from which the state secured 55 million euros after engagements in Paris and Abuja, saying that 35 percent of the facility had been converted to a grant.
Makinde explained that the facility carries highly concessional terms and includes a significant French-content component in the form of equipment.
The French Treasury had earlier stated that the €55 million facility was designed to strengthen healthcare capacity in Oyo State, including modernisation of primary healthcare centres and emergency services.
The governor also commended civil and public servants for their support during his absence, saying issues that arose while he was away were effectively handled by his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal.
He further called for teamwork and respect for constitutional responsibilities in governance, while urging President Bola Tinubu to adopt a similar approach whenever he travels outside the country.
In his remarks, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal expressed appreciation for what he described as the trajectory of governance under Governor Makinde, pledging continued support for the administration.