By Kemi Olatunde & Adedotun Ajayi

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has hailed workers as the backbone of the state’s development, saying their resilience, commitment, and integrity remain central to the strides recorded under his administration.

Addressing workers at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade in Akure on Thursday, the governor described civil servants as “the hands that build, the minds that innovate, and the hearts that care,” stressing that no government achievement is possible without their sacrifice.

“Our modest gains in office have only been possible because of your hard work across all sectors. From schools and hospitals to ministries and agencies, you are the true engine of governance,” Aiyedatiwa declared.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, the governor reeled out several interventions, including the swift implementation of the new minimum wage law. He said Ondo was not only among the first states to adopt the N70,000 benchmark but went a step further by pegging the state’s minimum wage at N73,000. He also disclosed that retirees now receive a monthly pension of N30,000.

Highlighting the administration’s focus on career growth, Aiyedatiwa noted that promotions were up to date, with the 2025 exercise already underway. He also pointed to massive recruitments across key sectors including education, health and public administration, with over 2,000 new teachers already engaged.

“As we continue the journey of this administration, I want our workers to rest assured of the patronage and protection of the state government. We shall not sacrifice the welfare of our workers on the altar of politics. Our administration will always strive, within the limits of its resources, to prioritise workers’ welfare,” he said.

“We will keep investing in education, health, and capacity building, ensuring that every worker enjoys dignity and fulfilment in and out of service,” he added.

Aiyedatiwa applauded the industrial harmony in the state, crediting labour leaders and workers for their understanding and support of government policies, especially the OUR EASE blueprint.

Rounding off his address, the governor urged workers to deepen their sense of duty and patriotism, charging them to uphold diligence, honesty, and professionalism.

“You are the pride of our past, the strength of our present, and the hope of our future. We honour you, and today, we celebrate you,” he stated.

Earlier, the Chairperson of the Ondo State NLC, Comrade Ademola Olapade, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his inclusive leadership style, which he said continues to inspire hope and progress across the state. He pledged the union’s unwavering support for people-focused initiatives, especially those that benefit civil servants.

Olapade expressed gratitude for the approval of the new minimum wage, the 2024 promotion exercise, and the recruitment of over 2,000 teachers. He also made a passionate appeal for the amendment of the law establishing Owena Press PLC, publishers of The Hope newspaper, urging the governor to elevate it to the status of a corporation or agency like OSRC. This, he said, would offer staff a more structured and fulfilling career path.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ondo State Council, Comrade Clement Fatuase, lauded the governor’s unwavering support for workers in the state. He praised the administration’s strides in education, security, infrastructure, and healthcare, citing several laudable programmes and interventions.

Also speaking, the Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, encouraged workers to give their best, assuring them of the governor’s genuine commitment to their welfare and well-being.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, and Chairman of the event’s planning committee, Comrade Leke Adegbite, expressed appreciation to Governor Aiyedatiwa for his unflinching support for workers and the seamless collaboration that ensured the success of the celebration.

A major highlight of the event was a colourful procession by workers from various unions, symbolising the theme of this year’s celebration: “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship.”

Dignitaries present included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji (represented by the Majority Leader, Hon Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi); Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusola; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; members of the State Assembly; local government chairmen; labour leaders and other notable stakeholders.