Oyo Govt Clears The Air On Alleged N998m Exercise Book Contract

The attention of the Oyo State Government has been drawn to an article published by Sahara Reporters, titled, “School Notebooks: N998 Million Oyo Government Project Exposes Contract Inflation, Jobs Awarded To Companies 2 Months After Registration,” in which it was alleged that “each copy of the 60 leaves notebook cost the state N2,100 to print.”

According to the statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, it reads: “We are appalled at this submission which betrays a lack of journalistic or investigative rigour. We are baffled that any news media would arrive at conclusions regarding contract awards without reaching out to any agency of the Oyo State Government for comments or clarifications.

“For the avoidance of doubt, for the 2020/2021 academic session, the Oyo State Government awarded contracts for the supply of exercise books for a total sum of N446,370,480. The award was to 8 different contractors in 14 lots to supply customised 60 and 80 leaves exercise books.