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 its decision.
Speaking at a Labour Round Table Meeting with the Governor at Lady Jibowu Hall of the Government House in Ado Ekiti, the Labour leaders promised to continue to support the governor in the realisation of his lofty policies and programmes aimed at achieving his shared prosperity agenda.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC),, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde,, Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Sola Adigun, and Chairman of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Oluseye Babatunde, commended the governor for prioritising the welfare of workers, which include timely payment of salaries, clearing of over nine months salary 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 approval and payment of one of the best minimum wage table in the country, thereby setting a benchmark for other states.
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According to them, the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage, among other gesture of the governor, underscore his understanding of the economic realities facing workers and his dedication to alleviating their burdens.
The labour leaders said it was the first time since the state was created that workers got what was due to them without agitation and confrontation, adding that the governor’s policies have not only elevated workers’ welfare, but have also transformed Ekiti into a model of sustainable development.
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 goes through it every day.
“Your Excellency thank you for the minimum wage you approved. My colleagues and I 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 would rejoice when this would be signed and it didn’t take long for you to approve. Thank you, Mr Governor for making us proud.”.
The Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi, lauded the governor for his exceptional dedication to workers’ welfare, disclosing that in the last 12 months, the governor approved over N30 million 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.
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 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 Tinubu whose visionary reforms had freed resources that significantly empowered the state to address pressing needs and deliver impactful projects that improved the lives of the people.