Get Guardian on GoogleThe Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his recent interview on a national television station, accusing him of failing to translate increased federal allocations into productive economic activities and job creation.
The organisation said the governor had not demonstrated an effective strategy for stimulating industrialisation and wealth creation in the state despite the increase in federal allocations since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023.
SSACO’s comments followed Makinde’s interview on the national television station, although the organisation’s statement did not provide a detailed account of the governor’s specific remarks or his response to the allegations.
In a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, SSACO said Makinde failed to explain why the state had yet to achieve significant industrial growth despite receiving about N145 billion and N214 billion in federal allocations in 2024 and 2025 respectively.
The campaign organisation faulted the governor for downplaying the increased allocations while arguing that what mattered was building a productive economy.
It said: “It is a sign of cluelessness to have huge funds and have no idea how to use it to enable productive economic activities.”
SSACO also questioned the state’s expenditure of N8.5 billion on an electricity project, which it described as unsuccessful, accusing Makinde of failing to take advantage of the Electricity Act 2023 to improve power supply for industries, businesses and households.
The organisation cited Lagos, Ekiti and Abia states as examples of states it claimed had taken advantage of the legislation to develop their electricity sectors.
It also accused the governor of failing to create an enabling environment for industrialisation and employment, arguing that Oyo residents deserved better economic leadership.
The campaign organisation, however, said its principal, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, would address the challenges if elected governor in 2027.
According to the statement, Alli’s Oyo AHEAD agenda includes establishing a state electricity regulator, promoting solar energy, providing low-interest funding for businesses, reviving the free trade zone and setting up a N10 billion youth development fund.
It added that Alli’s alignment with the Federal Government would attract greater benefits to the state, urging residents to support his governorship ambition in the 2027 election.
