The Oyo State Government has made a startling revelation concerning the financial aid promised after the tragic Bodija explosion in Ibadan. It has stated that a N30 billion intervention fund released by the Federal Government has remained untouched in a bank account for nearly two years.
Unreleased Funds and Unexplained Delays
In a detailed statement issued, the government further disclosed that the Federal Government has yet to disburse an outstanding N20 billion balance. This amount is part of the total N50 billion approved to support the reconstruction of Old Bodija and surrounding areas devastated by the blast on January 16, 2024.
The state authorities explained their decision not to access the available N30 billion, which is held in First Bank account number 2045199879. They cited the withholding of the remaining N20 billion by relevant federal agencies as the primary reason, noting this delay lacks any formal explanation.
Governor Makinde's Swift Request and Initial Actions
The chain of events began shortly after the catastrophic explosion. Governor Seyi Makinde formally wrote to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on January 19, 2024, seeking federal financial support to manage the disaster.
In his letter, Governor Makinde first outlined the immediate steps already taken by the state, which included:
- Deployment of earth-moving equipment for search-and-rescue operations.
- Full coverage of hospital bills for all injured victims.
- Deployment of ambulances and medical teams to the scene.
- Provision of hotel accommodation for displaced persons at the state's expense.
Critical Areas Identified for Federal Support
The governor's request highlighted several crucial areas where federal assistance was urgently needed to achieve full recovery. These areas were:
Clearing of rubble and debris to continue search and rescue efforts, and conducting immediate integrity tests on buildings with the demolition of unsafe structures.
Compensation for owners of properties destroyed or damaged by the explosion, and the subsequent reconstruction of Old Bodija and its environs.
Expansion of the emergency response hub, a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, logistics support, and the infrastructural development required to restore normalcy to the affected communities.
The state's account underscores a significant gap between approved federal aid and its actual receipt, leaving a major reconstruction effort in limbo two years after the tragedy that shook Ibadan.
