Mixed reactions have trailed video clips trending on social media where the Iyaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje was sharing eggs to traders.
The eggs packed in some trucks, buses and SUV cars packaged in Filler trays and polystyrene packs were being distributed to egg sellers in fillers for empowerment while others were given as food supplements.
That was the situation reports across major markets in Ibadan, Ibarapa, Oyo, Ogbomoso and Oke Ogun areas of the State
Traders, who were the beneficiaries prayed for the donor, Engr Dotun Sanusi, founder of Ilaji Farms and Ilaji Hotels and sports Resort for the donation.
While that was going on and trending on social media, critics of the State Government’s food palliatives erroneously ascribed distribution of eggs as Governor Seyi Makinde’s palliatives to the ‘poorest of the poor’.
They argued why the government would be giving eggs to the people as against the rice, beans and other food items promised by the government.
Further findings have however revealed that the distributor of the eggs across the markets for traders and artisans’ benefits is Ilaji Farms.
Efforts to reach the owner, Engr Dotun Sanusi believed to have carried out similar supports for the people during the Covid-19 era, was abortive.
However, a Manager in the Farm who was not authorized to speak to the media but preferred anonymity said, “the egg palliative is from our farm, Ilaji Farm owned by the billionaire philanthropist in the State, Engr Dotun Sanusi.
“Giving has been his ministry and pastime. He regales so much in supporting the Government of Engr Seyi Makinde and providing the people including the haves and have-nots the much needed help to alleviate sufferings and mitigate poverty.
“He is presently not in the country but has given a directive that the Farm should henceforth and on daily basis, be flooding the markets with eggs to complement the food palliatives being provided the people of the State by the government.
“And he is doing it through the Iyaloja-General of the State and indeed other market leaders to ensure that the eggs percolate every nook and cranny of the State,” he added.
In one of the videos, Iyaloja-General was heard telling the crowd that, “Oke Ogun’s share of the package has been sent. We cannot be giving Ibadan traders and still give to those of you on transit to this Ibadan market.”