The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has hailed workers as the driving force behind the state’s development, saying their resilience, commitment, and integrity have been central to the successes recorded under his administration.
Speaking 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,” emphasizing 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 said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, rolling out a list of interventions, including the prompt implementation of the new minimum wage law.
Ondo, he said, was not only among the first states to adopt the N70,000 benchmark but went a step further by raising the state’s minimum wage to N73,000. He also noted that retirees now receive a monthly pension award of N30,000.
The Governor further highlighted the administration’s focus on career growth, with promotions up-to-date and the 2025 exercise already underway. He also pointed to significant recruitments across education, health, and public administration including over 2,000 new teachers as part of efforts to strengthen critical sectors, as we all payment of three years backlog of gratuities for retired public servants and local government workers.
He said: “As we continue in the journey of our administration, I want our workers to be 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 ensure that workers welfare are given priority consideration.
“We will keep investing in education, health, and capacity building, ensuring that every worker enjoys dignity and fulfilment in and out of service.”
He lauded the industrial peace in the state, crediting labour leaders and workers for their understanding and support of government policies, particularly the ‘OUR EASE’ blueprint.
As he rounded off his address, the governor called on workers to deepen their sense of duty and patriotism, urging them to uphold values such as 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 said.
Earlier, Chairperson of the Ondo State NLC, Comrade Ademola Olapade, commended the governor for his inclusive leadership and pledged the union’s continued support for people-focused initiatives, especially those benefiting civil servants.
Olapade thanked the governor for prioritizing workers’ welfare through the approval of the new minimum wage, 2024 promotions, and the recruitment of over 2,000 teachers.
He passionately appealed 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 secure a more fulfilling and structured career path for its staff.
Similarly, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Ondo State Council, Comrade Clement Fatuase, praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support to Ondo State workers. He commended the present administration’s efforts in education, security, infrastructure, and healthcare, citing various commendable programs and interventions.
Earlier in his remarks, 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 unwavering support for workers and the smooth collaboration that made the celebration a success.
The event’s highlights featured a procession by workers from various unions.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji (represented by the Majority Leader, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi); the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; the Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola; the Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; members of the State Assembly; local government chairmen; labour leaders, and other notable stakeholders.