Breaking – Oyo Assembly Approves Makinde’s Request to Engage New Consultant for Project Gazelle

The Oyo State House of Assembly has approved the request of Governor Seyi Makinde to engage Tiaras White Consults Ltd as a new consultant for Project Gazelle, following the disengagement of the previously appointed firm, ODG Professional Services.

The Governor’s request, conveyed in a letter dated April 15, 2025, was formally read at Tuesday’s plenary by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, after which it received the unanimous approval of the lawmakers.

Governor Makinde, in his correspondence to the Assembly, explained that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) had raised concerns over issues of transparency, equity, and accountability in the allocation of funds to states and local governments under Project Gazelle.

He said the Executive Council had subsequently approved the appointment of Tiaras White Consults Ltd to safeguard Oyo State’s interest and to ensure proper fund reconciliation, recovery, and advisory services under the project.

“The Executive Council has approved the engagement of Tiaras White Consults Ltd as a consultant to represent the interest of the Oyo State Government…,” the letter stated

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin, while reading the letter, noted the importance of legislative backing in such matters, especially when they relate to financial oversight and public accountability.

He commended the Governor’s proactive step in addressing the NGF’s concerns and ensuring the State receives its fair share of the funds involved