The Opeyemi David Falegan Foundation (ODF), a non-governmental organization, has voiced concerns over the deteriorating living conditions in Ekiti State despite recent increases in federal allocations and palliatives intended to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
ODF highlighted the escalating hunger and poverty in the state, attributing these issues to soaring costs of food, fuel, and other essentials. The foundation has called on Governor Biodun Oyebanji to ensure that federal funds are used effectively to enhance the well-being of Ekiti residents.
In a statement signed by the Founder, Opeyemi David Falegan, and released to the press in Ado-Ekiti, ODF demanded a detailed account from the Governor regarding the use of federal funds. Specifically, the foundation seeks clarity on how the N6.5 billion allocated for June 2024 and the federal government’s palliative measures, including 20 trucks of 25kg bags of rice distributed to each state, have been utilized.
The statement expressed disappointment that the palliatives, intended for vulnerable citizens, were allegedly misallocated and politicized, benefiting political allies rather than the needy. ODF accused the Governor of mismanagement and a lack of priority in addressing the state’s pressing needs.
“We are troubled by the continued hardship faced by Ekiti’s poor despite the federal support,” the statement read. “There appears to be no tangible evidence of how public funds have been used to improve lives, while the Governor seems preoccupied with political ambitions rather than addressing the state’s issues.”
ODF emphasized the public’s right to transparency regarding the expenditure of state funds and urged Governor Oyebanji to provide a comprehensive explanation of how federal allocations have been spent over the past year. The foundation expressed a commitment to holding the government accountable to ensure that resources are directed towards meaningful improvements for Ekiti’s residents.
