Makinde Receives Report on Bodija Explosion Relief Fund, Promises Swift Action
By Adewale Owoade
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has received the report of the Committee on Management/Disbursement of Bodija Explosion Relief Fund.
The governor, represented by Deputy Governor Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, assured that the state government will look into the recommendations and implement them as appropriate.
The committee’s report is divided into four volumes, covering the disbursement and management of the relief fund, framework for distribution of government financial support, breakdown of money apportioned to support affected persons, and a pictorial representation of damages recorded during the explosion.
Lawal noted that the event leading to the committee’s setup was sad and avoidable, and the state government responded with emergency services and post-explosion support services.
He emphasised the importance of security consciousness and alertness among residents.
The committee proposed support for different categories of victims, including those who lost loved ones, buildings, vehicles, and other valuables.
“So, on behalf of His Excellency, I want to assure that this report would be looked into quickly and the recommendations therein would be implemented.
“We know that we do not have the luxury of further delay in implementation. We will put in all the efforts that will be required for quick implementation, so that victims of the explosion would be assuaged and assisted without further delay.
Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, president of Bodija Estate Residents Association, clarified that the relief fund is a support and not compensation, but if implemented, it will assist the victims.
He said: “We proposed support for different categories of people – for the families of those who lost their lives and those who lost buildings, vehicles and the rest. So, it varies.
“We recommended different figures depending on what we perceived was the level of effect on each of these people.
“Our expectations are that, like His Excellency said, the implementation will be expedited. We have done due diligence and what we are presenting will be ready to go.
“We appreciate the expediency that made the state government agree that the Deputy Governor himself should stand in for the governor.
“So, our expectation is that the implementation would be done with expediency.
“On the relief fund, if what we recommended is implemented, there is no doubt that it would help. And don’t forget that it is called support. So, you can’t complain. If it was compensation, you can claim what you lost but this is a kind of support and it is what should be appreciated.
“I know that for those who would receive, whatever they get is going to be well appreciated.
“We have shown appreciation to our governor on the treatment of those who were affected during the incident. Our roads are now being done. If we are going to have development, there is going to be complaint.
“We appreciate what the government has done so far.”
