Oyebanji Pledges Better Welfare, Backed by Prompt Pay, as Labour Flags Insecurity and Poverty

By Joseph Sunday 

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, promising sweeping reforms, improved pay, and sustained industrial harmony. 

Speaking at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration in Ado-Ekiti, themed “Insecurity, Poverty—Bane of Decent Work,” Oyebanji said the State would keep investing in its workforce through infrastructure, workplace security, regular training, and merit-based promotions and appointments.

The governor described May Day as a reminder of the “enormous contributions and sacrifices” of the working class to nation-building and human civilisation. 

He thanked Ekiti workers for their support, including a recent solidarity visit to his office, adding that their dedication has been key to the success of his administration’s policies.

On welfare, Oyebanji noted that salaries, allowances, pensions, and gratuities are paid promptly, with no outstanding promotion arrears. 

He said all promotions up to 2025 have been cleared with full financial backing.

Meanwhile, organized labour used the occasion to press for urgent national reforms. 

Ekiti State NLC Chairman, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, warned that worsening insecurity, deepening poverty, and a failing power sector are eroding the dignity of work and threatening stability.

He described Nigeria’s security situation as “dreadful” and called for structural reforms and practical, results-driven strategies. “The daily incidents of kidnapping, killings and banditry across all geopolitical zones have severely impacted economic activities,” Kolapo said, urging the Federal Government to move beyond “lip service” and overhaul the country’s security architecture.

Kolapo also decried the economic hardship facing Nigerians, citing the rise in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to about ₦1,450 per litre in some areas, which has driven up transport and essential service costs. “Workers are now working from their hands to mouths,” he said.

He criticised the power sector, referencing Power Minister, Adebayo Adelabu’s public admission of failure, and called on the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to boost industrial growth and support small businesses.

At the state level, Kolapo commended Oyebanji for meeting demands made during the 2025 May Day, including promotions up to 2025. 

He appealed for 2026 action on pending promotions for workers and teachers, payment of outstanding leave bonuses, and settlement of gratuities. 

He also urged the governor to empower the Head of Service to carry out promotions seamlessly to boost morale and productivity.

TUC Ekiti Chairman, Comrade Omotola Farotimi, advocated community policing, better protection of farms and markets, and faster emergency response systems. 

On the economy, she pushed for living wage policies, expanded social protection, improved credit access for small businesses, and skills training aligned with market needs. 

Farotimi stressed that stricter enforcement of labour laws is needed to prevent exploitation, warning that poor work conditions could fuel more instability.