By HeapNews
Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa announced the implementation of a new minimum wage of ₦73,000 for civil servants, set to take effect this November. The announcement came during the 2024 Public Service Week celebration on Friday, where the Governor addressed civil servants who gathered for a fitness walk in Akure, the state capital.
Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of civil servants, declaring that “the new minimum wage is a settled matter.” He stated, “Anything we have done for civil servants has never been politically driven. If workers are not happy, they won’t be encouraged to put in maximum efforts into their work. That is why we have always prioritised their welfare.”
A committee was established to design the structure for the new wage, and with their recommendations now finalized, the Governor announced that he will give immediate approval to initiate payments. This new wage policy, according to the Governor, underscores his administration’s dedication to improving the lives of public sector employees in Ondo State.
The event, which took place at the Government House following the fitness walk, saw an outpouring of support from civil servants, with many publicly backing the Governor’s re-election bid in the upcoming November 16 governorship election. Head of Service Mr. Bayo Philips praised the Governor’s efforts, noting the administration’s consistent payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities, as well as regular promotions and leave bonuses. “Civil servants gathered here are not politicians,” Philips remarked, “but we are here to appreciate the Governor’s dedication to our welfare.”
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Trade Union Congress (TUC) State Chairman, Comrade Clement Fatuase, echoed these sentiments, expressing his confidence in Governor Aiyedatiwa’s continued support for the civil service community. “On November 17, we will come together to celebrate the Governor’s victory,” Fatuase stated, assuring him of the civil servants’ steadfast backing.
As the November election approaches, Governor Aiyedatiwa has pledged to continue his support for civil servants if re-elected, vowing to surpass his current achievements. “I am the number one public servant of this state,” he reminded the crowd, promising to “break my own record” with even more accomplishments in the next term.