By Paul Joseph
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, job security, and overall development in Ondo State as he marked the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration in Akure.
Speaking at the event held at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, the governor charged workers to translate ongoing government reforms into improved productivity and meaningful socio-economic benefits for citizens.
He described Workers’ Day as a reflection of the historic struggles of the labour movement for fair wages, job security, and social justice, stressing that workers remain central to governance and national development.
Governor Aiyedatiwa commended labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, for maintaining industrial harmony through constructive engagement with the government.
Addressing the 2026 theme, “Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” the governor acknowledged the challenges posed by unemployment, poverty, and criminality.
He disclosed that the state had intensified security operations by strengthening the Amotekun Corps, including the recruitment of 500 additional personnel and provision of operational vehicles.
He added that efforts were ongoing to improve intelligence sharing among security agencies and enhance crime prevention strategies across the state.
On judicial reforms, the governor revealed that his administration was upgrading infrastructure, including the ongoing construction of the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Judiciary Complex, while reaffirming commitment to judicial independence.
The governor also highlighted poverty alleviation initiatives such as youth and women empowerment programmes, skills acquisition, digital training, agricultural support, and soft loan schemes aimed at boosting economic growth.
On workers’ welfare, Aiyedatiwa stated that promotions were being implemented without arrears, with the 2026 exercise already underway.
He noted that salaries and allowances were being paid promptly, while about 4,000 workers had been recruited across key sectors, including education, health, and agriculture.
He further disclosed that gratuities owed to retirees, including those from 2018 and 2019, had been cleared, with a commitment to settle all outstanding entitlements.
In addition, he announced the appointment of 34 Permanent Secretaries to strengthen the civil service and confirmed that salary arrears owed to staff of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic had been cleared, alongside plans to implement a new minimum wage at the institution.
The governor said healthcare delivery was being expanded through the Oranghis Health Insurance Scheme and the construction of modern hospitals across the state, while investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and industrialisation were geared toward job creation.
He urged workers to demonstrate discipline, innovation, and integrity, warning against inefficiency and delays in service delivery, while reiterating his administration’s guiding principle: “Don’t deliver short, don’t deliver late.”
In his remarks, the Head of Service, Bayo Philip, praised the administration’s reforms, describing them as transformative. He highlighted achievements such as prompt promotions, improved welfare for retirees, and the recruitment of thousands of workers.
Also speaking, the Controller of Labour, Olanike Mogboruko, representing the Minister of Labour and Employment, underscored the importance of Workers’ Day in recognising the contributions of workers to national development and called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
Leaders of organised labour in the state, including the NLC Chairman, Comrade Ademola, and TUC Chairman, Comrade Clement Fatuase, commended the governor’s efforts while urging further action to address insecurity and economic challenges.
Meanwhile, Governor Aiyedatiwa assured candidates affected by irregularities in the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) recruitment exercise that their appointments would be regularised.
He directed that qualified applicants be absorbed into the system following due process, while the SUBEB Permanent Secretary, Abike Bayo-Ilawole, instructed affected candidates to report to the board’s office for proper documentation.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and inclusive governance, calling on residents to continue supporting efforts to build a safer and more prosperous Ondo State.
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