From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing workers’ dignity and providing a conducive civic space during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, May 1, themed “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship”.
He emphasised, “This administration has endeavoured to fulfil its critical obligation to workers by ensuring a safe and healthy work environment, fair wages and benefits and respect for workers’ rights.”
Oyebanji highlighted efforts to clear pension and gratuity backlogs, stating, “We have shown genuine commitment to ensuring a monthly release of 100 million naira aside from intervention releases of about 10 billion naira to defray the huge backlog of pensions and gratuities.”
He pledged continued engagement with labour unions and policies to improve workers’ welfare, urging dedication: “To whom much is given, much is expected. I charge you to continue to be more professional, compassionate, productive.”
Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman Sola Adigun decried Nigeria’s economic challenges, noting, “Inflation stands at 33.2% as of March 2025, with food inflation alone exceeding 40%.” He criticised the shrinking civic space, saying, “Our right to organise, to protest peacefully, to speak without fear, and to hold our leaders accountable is increasingly under attack.”
Adigun proposed reclaiming civic space through unity, coalitions with civil society, civic education, and digital advocacy, urging, “We must harness the power of digital advocacy.”
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman Kolapo Olatunde praised Oyebanji for approving a competitive minimum wage, timely salaries, gratuity payments, pension increments, and career elongation for teachers, stating, “Giving approval to the minimum wage, which is one of the best in the country.”
He requested leave bonuses, 2024–2025 promotions, and other benefits. Head of Service Dr Folakemi Olomojobi commended Oyebanji’s cordial labour relations and the minimum wage’s role in advancing living standards.