By Falayi Olanrewaju
Speaking on Monday during 2023 Worker’s Day Celebrations held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, in Ado Ekiti, the State capital, the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji saluted the workers for a job well done since the inception of his administration.
The State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, while addressing the Workers, stated that the government would continue to prioritize the welfare of workers in the State including those who retired from the active service, for their commitment and as a demonstration of government’s commitment to their welfare.
The Governor also revealed that his administration, within the period has paid a total sum of N130 million outstanding gratuities to retired local government teachers and workers in the State.
He also praised the leaders of workers Unions in the State “for their relentless engagements with the state government for the welfare of the workforce”.
The State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Pharmacist Kolapo Olatunde, while addressing the occasion lauded Governor Biodun Abayomi for putting the interest of workers in the state on the front burner of his open-door policies.
Comrade Kolapo in a speech given on May Day described Governor Biodun Oyebanji as a father figure to the Workers.
Kolapo spoke ahead of the commemoration of Workers Day, marked annually on May 1 every year, with the 2023 theme titled: “Workers’ Rights and Socio-Economic Justice.”
He also described the Governor as one who had a fear of God in him and has been patient.
Kolapo also commended Governor Oyebanji for been regular with the payment of workers salaries and retirees pensions and gratuities and also for ensuring the reinstatement of 20 workers sacked at the Ekiti State House of Assembly.
In his own May Day message, Comrade Sola Adigun, the Ekiti State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, praised the government of Mr. Biodun Oyebanji for partnering with the labour unions and the workers in both the formal and informal sectors of the State.