A non governmental organization in Osun state, Checkam initiative and the state ministry of youth affairs have continued to lock horns over an alleged spending of N2.29billion by the ministry in the first three quarters of 2025.
According to a document on the website of the Osun state ministry of budget and economic planning, a sum of 2.29 billion naira was spent by the ministry of youth affairs between January and September 2025 on some activities not revealed.
Reacting to the matter, Checkam wrote to the ministry of youth asking for breakdown of the spending
According to the letter sighted by InsightMedia, ”We write on behalf of Checkam, a civic accountability initiative promoting transparency and responsible governance in Osun State. Pursuant to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, we hereby request access to information regarding the expenditure of N2.29 billion by the Ministry of Youth Affairs as indicated in the Osun State 2025 Quarter 3 Budget implementation report”.
Featuring on Insightful Moment, the Executive Director of the Initiative, Joseph Adeboye, explained on Wednesday that Checkam is a civic organisation focused on reviewing fiscal transparency documents released by government ministries and agencies.
He said the group scrutinises official budget reports and seeks clarification where figures appear unclear.
According to him, “Checkam relied on the third-quarter budget implementation report released by the Ministry of Economic Planning, which indicated that the Ministry of Youth Affairs spent ₦2.29 billion between the first and third quarters of the year.”
Featuring on the another episode of the show, Adekunle Akinrinade, an aide to the Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Moshood Olagunju, countered the opinion Checkam is an unregistered organization and therefore shouldn’t have been entertained by the ministry. However, he said the ministry chose to provide clarity and answers.
According to Akinrinade, the ministry spent money on Imole Youth Corps, employing over 10,000 personnel, with each local government coordinator earning N100,000 monthly. The ministry also supports NYSC camps, provided 5,000 beds, fenced the camp, and renovated a bridge.
The ministry also empowered youths through various projects, including merchandise distribution and equipment supply to wards. Akinriande urged the public to check the ministry’s social media pages and website for project updates.
Akinrinade questioned Checkam’s legitimacy, saying “You can only call out the ministry if your organization is duly registered.”
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