Workers Day: Oyo rewards diligence, service- Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, said the State Government remains committed to rewarding diligence and service.

Makinde decried the exploitation and underemployment by some members of the organised private sector, attributing it to a decline in productivity.

In his speech at the 2025 Workers Day rally, held at the Main bowl of the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, the state capital, he said payment of unjust wages has made it difficult for workers to achieve financial stability or economic development.

Represented by his Deputy, Bayo Lawal, the governor said, “Many of them toil under harsh and unsafe conditions, dedicating countless hours to their jobs with compensation that fails to reflect their efforts, especially in the private sector. Unfortunately, these situations lead to apathy and withdrawal from civic participation. These realities push some of the labour leaders to continuously advocate for fairness, dignity, and respect in all workplaces. Coincidentally, in this state, there is freedom of expression.

“My administration has prioritised the welfare and well-being of its workforce, because of their contribution to the economic growth of the state. As the largest employer of labour in the state, the state government recognises its immense responsibility to ensure that every worker operates in a just, fair, and conducive environment.

“Since the assumption of office in 2019, this administration has remained steadfast in its commitment to uplifting the workforce, transforming a previously toxic workplace culture into one that is productive, inclusive, and welcoming. In 2020, funds were released to all MDAs for office renovations, ensuring that workers enjoy decent and well-equipped workplaces that foster productivity and efficiency.”

He added, “This government took decisive steps to prioritise worker compensation, ensuring that salaries are paid promptly at usually on the 25th of every month, a commitment that remains unbroken to this day.

“This government also understands the importance of career progression and is committed to eliminating promotion backlogs within the Civil/Public Service. Despite competing financial demands, we have ensured that every eligible officer has received their due promotion up to 2024.

“Oyo remains committed to rewarding diligence and service, the reason why workers have consistently received 13th-month salaries since 2019.”

He said even during economic downturns, when financial constraints weighed heavily on the country, the government stood by its workforce, offering N25,000 palliative support to all workers while retirees received N15,000 monthly, ensuring their welfare was not overlooked.

He stated, “Oyo state courageously adopted a minimum salary of N80,000, surpassing the N77,500 threshold set by the federal government. This strategic decision was made to uplift our workers, improve their standard of living, and ensure fair compensation for their invaluable contributions to the state.”

Aside, the payment of approved minimum wage, Makinde said his administration has facilitated the training and re-training of over 10,000 state workforce locally and internationally.

Earlier, in his address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Kayode Martins, commended the governor for the approval of the N80,000 minimum wage and its monthly prompt payment.

Martins, however, appealed to the governor for upward review of monthly subvention to the MDAs and the state-owned tertiary institutions.