In a stunning show of solidarity, the leadership of Labour unions in Ekiti State has endorsed Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in office, citing his exceptional commitment to workers’ welfare and all round development of the state for their decision.
Speaking at a Labour Round Table Meeting with the Governor at Lady Jibowu Hall of the Government House in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday evening, the labour leaders also vowed to continue to support the Governor in the realization of all his lofty policies and programmes aimed at achieving his shared prosperity agenda with a promise not to allow miscreant disrupt the pace of progress recorded under his leadership.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde, Trade Union Congress, Comrade Sola Adigun, and Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, Comrade Oluseye Babatunde commended the Governor for prioritizing the welfare of workers which include timely payment of salaries, clearing of over nine months salaries arrears and leave bonuses, prompt payment of pension and gratuity, payment of financial benefits tied to promotions, approval of promotions up to date, increment of car and housing loans as well as the approval and payment of one of the best minimum wage table in the country, thereby setting a benchmark for other states.
According to them, the payment of the 70,000 minimum wage, among other gestures of the Governor, underscore his understanding of the economic realities facing workers and his dedication to alleviating their burdens.
The labour leaders explained that it was the first time since the state was created that workers got what is due to them without agitation and confrontation, adding that the Governor’s policies have not only elevated workers’ welfare but has also transformed Ekiti into a model of sustainable development.
While describing the Governor as God sent and answer to Ekiti workers prayers, the union leaders said “When people say this has not been done, that has not been done, I smile and say you don’t know the kind of leadership we have in Ekiti State, all the workers agenda is on the Governor’s table and he go through it every day.
“Your Excellency, thank you for the minimum wage you approved, I and my colleagues will recall when negotiating for N13,000 minimum wage, it was returned to us for negotiation more than three times and after a year, it was given approval but lo and behold when we were dealing with this N70,000 minimum wage and I saw what was there, I told the panel that my people will rejoice when this would be signed and it didn’t take long for you to approve. Thank you, Mr Governor for making us proud”.
Also in her remarks, the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi lauded the Governor for his exceptional dedication to workers’ welfare, disclosing that in the last 12 months, the Governor approved over 30 million naira to address health challenges faced by public servants, the gesture, which according to her, demonstrated his genuine concern for the well-being of the workforce.
Also speaking, the Special Assistant on Labour Matters, Comrade Kayode Fatomiluyi appreciated the Governor for not disappointing the workforce by fulfilling all the promises he made to them during the electioneering campaign.
Responding, Governor Oyebanji, who expressed his gratitude to the Union leaders for what he described as an uncommon gesture for labour leaders to speak of a government in such manner, said appreciation should go to President Bola Ahmed Tunubu whose visionary reforms have freed resources that significantly empowered the state to address pressing needs and deliver impactful projects that improve the lives of the people.
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“Let me start on the note of appreciation to you, I became afraid that look, this is an uncommon phenomenon, if not for God’s grace, for labour leaders to come out publicly and speak of a government in this manner and I was asking for God’s help so that I don’t disappoint you.
“But in fairness, apart from God, the person we need to thank is the President, because no matter how good intentioned a leader is, if you don’t have the resources, it’s only going to be a wish, but the President has taken a lot of courageous steps that has freed resources to the state, and I told myself that if this kind of money is coming to Ekiti state, we must spend it in a way and manner that those in government will be happy and those outside government will also be happy,” the Governor asserted.
Present at the event were the Speaker, Ekiti State Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Niyi Adebayo; Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi and Commissioner for Information, Rt Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun among others.
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