By Our Correspondent

National News – The Oyo State Government has started the distribution of subsidised food items to civil servants ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, as part of efforts to reduce the impact of rising living costs on workers in the state.

The initiative is being coordinated through the Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State in Ibadan.

The Chairman of the Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State, Akeugberu Akeugbagold, disclosed during the unveiling of the programme that the state government spent more than ₦120 million on the procurement of food commodities for workers.

He explained that the programme was introduced by the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde to improve workers’ welfare during the festive season.

Speaking through the Coordinating Head of the corporation, Tunde Oladejo, Akeugbagold said the subsidised items include bags of rice, Kings vegetable oil and rams.

According to him, the products are available to interested workers at reduced prices to make Sallah celebrations easier for families across the state.

He further explained that beneficiaries would repay the cost of the items through salary deductions spread over three months beginning from July 2026.

The government said the flexible repayment plan was designed to reduce financial pressure on workers while ensuring access to essential food items during the holiday period.

The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, in a statement issued on Friday, noted that the programme reflects the commitment of the Oyo State Government to food accessibility, workers’ welfare and economic relief measures.

He urged beneficiaries to continue supporting the policies of the current administration.

The distribution exercise comes at a time when many Nigerians are facing high food prices and increased economic hardship ahead of the Sallah celebration.

The Oyo State Government believes the intervention will provide relief for workers and support festive preparations across the state.