Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has commended workers across the state for their dedication and vital contributions to the state’s progress, describing them as essential to the success of his administration.
During the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade in Akure, the Governor acknowledged civil servants as the cornerstone of governance, praising their resilience, innovation, and unwavering service.
He emphasized that recent accomplishments by his administration were made possible through the hard work of public servants in all sectors—education, healthcare, and government agencies.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, Aiyedatiwa outlined several initiatives, including the early adoption of the new national minimum wage. Ondo State not only embraced the N70,000 standard but went beyond it by raising the minimum wage to N73,000. He also announced that retirees now receive a N30,000 monthly pension.
The Governor disclosed that the state had cleared three years of gratuity arrears for retirees and had hired more than 3,000 new staff across key sectors, including over 2,000 teachers.
He added that civil service promotions were current, with the 2025 exercise already in progress.
He assured workers that their welfare would remain a top priority, promising continued investments in education, healthcare, and workforce development. Aiyedatiwa also acknowledged the peaceful industrial atmosphere in the state, attributing it to the collaboration and understanding shown by labour leaders and workers toward government initiatives, especially the ‘OUR EASE’ policy framework.
Calling for greater patriotism, the Governor urged workers to uphold professionalism, integrity, and diligence in their duties, stating: “You represent our proud history, our present strength, and our future hope.”
In her address, Ondo State NLC Chairperson, Comrade Ademola Olapade, applauded the Governor’s people-oriented governance. She appreciated the administration’s strides in worker welfare, including wage increases, timely promotions, and the recruitment of teachers.
Olapade also appealed to the Governor to consider upgrading Owena Press PLC—the publisher of The Hope—to the status of a full-fledged agency or corporation like OSRC, to enhance career growth opportunities for its personnel.
The Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Clement Fatuase, echoed the sentiments, praising the government for its achievements in sectors such as education, security, infrastructure, and healthcare.
Also speaking at the event, the Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, encouraged civil servants to remain committed and assured them of the government’s continued support.
In his vote of thanks, NUJ Chairman and head of the Workers’ Day planning committee, Comrade Leke Adegbite, appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for supporting the celebration and prioritizing workers’ interests.
The occasion featured a parade by workers from various labour unions and was attended by top government officials, including Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami; Majority Leader Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi (representing the Speaker); SSG Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief Judge Justice Olusegun Odusola; Chief of Staff Prince Segun Omojuwa; members of the State Assembly; local government chairmen; and other dignitaries.
