Oyebanji promises better welfare to Ekiti workers
By Idowu Adebomi
The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, promising sustained reforms, better remuneration, and continued industrial harmony across the state’s public service.
Speaking in Ado-Ekiti at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration themed “Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” the governor said his government would deepen investments in the workforce through infrastructure development, safer workplaces, regular capacity building, and merit-based promotions and appointments.
Oyebanji congratulated workers on the occasion, describing May Day as a reflection of the critical role of the working class in nation-building and societal advancement. He commended their dedication and support, noting that the success of his administration’s policies is largely driven by their commitment.
The governor reiterated that his government has maintained prompt payment of salaries, allowances, pensions, and gratuities, stressing that no worker is owed promotion arrears. He added that all outstanding promotions up to 2025 have been fully implemented with financial backing.
Earlier, the Ekiti State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, raised concerns over Nigeria’s worsening socio-economic conditions, warning that rising insecurity, deepening poverty, and a struggling power sector are undermining the dignity of labour and threatening national stability.
Kolapo described the country’s security situation as alarming, citing persistent cases of kidnappings, killings, and banditry across all geopolitical zones, which he said have disrupted economic activities and left citizens vulnerable. He urged the Federal Government to move beyond rhetoric and adopt practical, results-oriented strategies, including a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s security architecture.
He also decried the escalating economic hardship, noting that conditions have deteriorated significantly compared to the previous year. According to him, the sharp rise in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), now about ₦1,450 per litre in some areas, has triggered increases in transportation and other essential services, further squeezing workers’ incomes.
Despite these concerns, Kolapo acknowledged the Ekiti State Government’s responsiveness to labour demands, commending the implementation of key requests made during the 2025 May Day celebration, particularly the promotion of eligible workers.
He, however, called for further action in 2026, including approval of 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 Civil Service to conduct promotion exercises seamlessly to boost morale and productivity.
In her remarks, the Ekiti State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Omotola Farotimi, advocated community policing, enhanced protection of economic assets such as farms and markets, and faster emergency response systems to improve security.
On economic reforms, Farotimi called for the implementation of a living wage, expansion of social protection programmes, improved access to credit for small businesses, and skills development aligned with market needs. She also stressed stricter enforcement of labour laws to curb worker exploitation, warning that poor working conditions could further exacerbate instability.