The Ministry of Transport has noted a misleading article by A.D. Poweide, alleging that the government has discontinued the Free Shuttle Bus Scheme. This baseless claim seeks to misinform the public and undermine the efforts of the Ondo State Government.

A statement by Oluwakemi Adedeji-Adeyemi, Head, Media and Publicity unit of the ministry said , ”I wish to state unequivocally that it is incorrect for anyone to assert that the Ondo State Government has stopped the scheme. This claim is, to say the least, a wicked and malicious lie, crafted to tarnish the image of the Ondo State Government.

“A baseless allegation of this nature can only originate from a mind that is utterly disconnected from present realities.

“A government that added five new buses to the Shuttle Bus fleet earlier this year, and is already in the process of procuring additional buses as outlined in the 2025 Budget presented to the House of Assembly today, cannot reasonably be accused of discontinuing the Free Shuttle Bus Scheme.

“Mr Poweide is hereby advised to verify the current status of the scheme before rushing to disseminate baseless and misleading information.

“It should also be noted that the scheme initially covered only 12 local government areas under the previous administration. However, this government has extended it to 17 local government areas and introduced a boat shuttle service in Ilaje and Ese-Odo LGAs.

“This administration remains fully committed to the Free Shuttle Bus Scheme and will continue to ensure that our children benefit from the dividends of democracy.”