The Oyo State Government has earmarked ₦4.278bn for elections to fill chairmanship and councillorship positions across its 33 local government areas on December 29, 2027.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, announced the decision in a statement issued on Tuesday, explaining that the approval was granted during a meeting of the State Executive Council.
He said the funding would enable the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) to begin preparations for the polls.
Under the approved arrangement, the 33 local councils will bear 60 per cent of the expenditure, amounting to ₦2.5668bn, while the state government will cover the remaining 40 per cent, estimated at ₦1.7112bn.
At the same meeting, the council sanctioned ₦437,446,398.58 to fulfil accreditation conditions for the nursing programme at Abiola Ajimobi Technical University.
Oyelade explained that the financial provision would help the institution broaden its academic offerings beyond science and technology while creating a pathway towards financial independence.
He added that the nursing programme had reached the concluding phase of its accreditation exercise.
The commissioner cautioned that missing the professional accreditation deadline could jeopardise the significant resources already committed to the programme.
According to him, the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has invested over ₦3bn in purchasing equipment needed to establish the nursing programme.
The executive council also authorised counterpart funding for the development of the Oyo Annex of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), covering construction, rehabilitation and equipment.
Oyelade said residents of Oyo and neighbouring communities account for approximately 70 per cent of patients receiving treatment at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso, underscoring the importance of expanding healthcare facilities in the area.
He disclosed that the state government would contribute ₦6,744,379,570.28 towards the project, with Oyo East Local Government Area expected to provide an equal amount.
The combined funding for the project stands at ₦13,488,759,140.56.
The council also acknowledged Makinde’s contributions to the state’s growth, commending his administration for its development initiatives as his tenure approaches its scheduled conclusion in May 2027.
It further recognised the governor’s collaborative approach in working with the state’s 33 local government areas.
