…Governor says civil servants are the “engine of governance,” pledges continued investment in welfare and career growth
By Bunmi Yekini
AKURE — Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday praised the state’s workforce as the backbone of its progress, describing civil servants as the true enablers of his administration’s achievements.
Speaking during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade in Akure, the governor declared that no government success was possible without the “resilience, commitment, and integrity” of its workers.
“You are the hands that build, the minds that innovate, and the hearts that care,” Aiyedatiwa told the cheering crowd. “Our modest gains in office have only been possible because of your hard work across all sectors.”
The governor highlighted several key welfare initiatives undertaken by his administration, including the prompt implementation of the new national minimum wage law. He noted that Ondo was among the first states to adopt the N70,000 benchmark, but went further by raising the minimum wage to N73,000. Additionally, he said pensioners now receive a monthly award of N30,000.
“We shall not sacrifice the welfare of our workers on the altar of politics,” Aiyedatiwa said. “Our administration will always strive, within the limits of its resources, to ensure that workers’ welfare is given priority consideration.”
Other achievements cited include promotions across the civil service, the ongoing 2025 promotion exercise, the recruitment of over 2,000 teachers, and the clearance of three years’ backlog of gratuities owed to retired public servants and local government workers.
The governor lauded labour leaders for maintaining industrial harmony in the state and acknowledged their support for government reforms, particularly the ‘OUR EASE’ development blueprint.
“You are the pride of our past, the strength of our present, and the hope of our future,” he said. “We honour you, and today, we celebrate you.”
In his remarks, Ondo State NLC Chairperson, Comrade Ademola Olapade, praised Aiyedatiwa’s inclusive style and commended the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
“We appreciate the approval of the new minimum wage, the 2024 promotions, and the massive recruitment drive in the education sector,” Olapade said.
He also appealed for the amendment of the law establishing Owena Press PLC, publishers of The Hope newspaper, calling for its elevation to a corporation or agency to ensure better career progression for staff.
Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Clement Fatuase, also applauded the governor’s leadership and highlighted achievements in education, healthcare, security, and infrastructure.
Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, urged workers to remain dedicated, assuring them of continued government support, while NUJ Chairman and event planning committee head, Comrade Leke Adegbite, thanked the governor for his “unwavering support for the workforce.”
The colourful celebration featured a parade by workers from various unions and was attended by top dignitaries, including Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji (represented); and the Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola, among others.