By Justus Adetomiwa, Ado-Ekiti
Governor Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji on Friday used the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration to highlight his administration’s record on workers’ welfare and seek support for his second term bid.
Speaking at the event held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, and themed “Insecurity and Poverty: The Bane of Decent Work”, the governor said his government had remained consistent in prioritising the wellbeing of the workforce.
Oyebanji stated that regular payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities had been sustained, while all outstanding promotion arrears had been cleared.
“We have remained committed to the welfare of our workers through regular payment of salaries, allowances, pensions and gratuities. As a state, we do not owe promotion arrears, and backlog has been cleared up till 2025,” he said.
He added that his administration had invested heavily in human capital development through recruitment across key sectors, including education, health and the civil service.
“We will not rest on our oars as we continue to engage qualified workers into the public service,” Oyebanji assured.
The governor also highlighted reforms in the health sector, including salary parity for clinical staff and improved welfare packages, noting that the measures had ensured industrial harmony.
On pensions and gratuities, he disclosed that billions of naira had been paid to offset inherited arrears, alongside ongoing monthly payments to retirees.
Oyebanji further cited the introduction of performance recognition awards, housing and car loan schemes, and increased subventions to institutions as part of efforts to improve workers’ conditions.
Turning to politics, the governor formally declared his intention to seek re-election in the June 20, 2026 governorship poll, urging workers to support his administration.
“I stand before you today to promise to continue to act in your best interest. I know your concerns and understand your pains, and I am well-positioned to relieve them as I have always done.
“I therefore urge you to come out en masse to vote for our party in the June 20 election. We do not just want to win; we want to lead our electoral performance as a state,” he said.
He maintained that his administration had enjoyed a cordial relationship with workers, noting the absence of industrial disputes since he assumed office.
“I am proud to be the government that has not experienced any strike or threat of strike on industrial matters,” he added.
In their separate remarks, labour leaders commended the governor’s performance while urging sustained efforts.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ekiti State Chapter, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde, described Oyebanji as a worker-friendly leader, citing prompt salary payments, implementation of minimum wage and clearance of arrears.
“His Excellency has done wonderfully well for the upliftment of workers in the areas of welfare packages, career progression and good working conditions,” he said.
He, however, appealed for the approval of pending promotions, payment of outstanding leave bonuses and completion of gratuity payments.
Similarly, the Ekiti State Chairperson of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Dr Omotola Farotimi, acknowledged the administration’s strides in key sectors including education, health and the civil service.
She urged government at all levels to intensify efforts in tackling insecurity and improving workers’ welfare, stressing that workers remain the “engine room of governance.”