Sports

Gov Makinde Counters President Tinubu, Says States Didn’t Receive N570bn

Published

2 years ago

August 9, 2024

Editor

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has denied a statement by President Bola Tinubu that the federal government gave N570 billion to all the States in the country.

Makinde said this while addressing Nigerians in a broadcast during the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests against hunger and hardship.

President Bola Tinubu had said his administration had disbursed ₦570bn to the 36 states, Makinde in a newsletter shared on his X handle on Thursday, said the state was not in the know of such a grant.

He said, “I responded to a question from a concerned citizen of Oyo State regarding the claim that the Federal Government ‘gave’ States over N570 billion as some kind of ‘hardship fund’ for citizens.

“Let me state categorically that this is yet another case of misrepresentation of facts. The said funds were part of the World Bank-assisted NG-CARES project—a Programme for Results intervention.

“The World Bank facilitated an intervention to help States in Nigeria with COVID-19 Recovery. CARES means COVID-19 Action Recovery Economic Stimulus.

“It was called the Programme for Results because States had to use their money in advance to implement the programme.

“After the World Bank verified the amount spent by the State, it reimbursed the States through the platform provided at the Federal level. The Federal Government did not give any State money; they were simply the conduit through which the reimbursements were made to States for money already spent.

“It is important to note that the World Bank fund is a loan to States, not a grant. So, States will need to repay this loan. Note also that NG-CARES, which we christened Oyo-CARES in our State, predates the present federal administration.”

He further explained that the loan came in two tranches to states, saying Oyo State got ₦5.98 billion in the first tranche and ₦822 million in the second tranche.

“So, in direct response to the message, the Federal Government did not give Oyo State any money. We were reimbursed funds (₦5.98 billion in the first instance and ₦822 million in the second instance).

“We invested in the three result areas of NG-CARES, which includes inputs distribution to smallholder farmers within our State. In fact, when the World Bank saw our model for the distribution of inputs preceded by biometric capturing of beneficiary farmers, they adopted it as the NG-CARES model,” governor Makinde added.

Sports

EPL: Why I Won’t Stay One More Year At Man Utd – Casemiro

Published

59 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Manchester United midfielder, Casemiro, has explained why he won’t stay one more year at the club.

The 34-year-old is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the current season.

The Brazilian, however, had been urged by the club’s fans to extend his contract by one more year due to his brilliant display for Michael Carrick’s side this term.

Speaking on the development, Casemiro told ESPN Brasil, “There is no chance [for me to stay one more year].

“It is leaving through the front door. It has been four wonderful years, and I am eternally grateful not only to the club but to the fans.

“I think it is over. The cycle has ended here. I am moving on to a new chapter in my career.”

Sports

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

21 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.

Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.

He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.

“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”

Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.