Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has described civil servants as the backbone of governance, revealing that his administration has recruited over 3,000 workers across key sectors since assuming office.
Speaking at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, Akure, the governor commended the resilience, integrity, and commitment of workers, attributing the state’s modest achievements to their sacrifices.
“Civil servants are the hands that build, the minds that innovate, and the hearts that care,” Aiyedatiwa said.
“Our gains in office have only been possible because of your hard work across all sectors—from schools and hospitals to ministries and agencies.”
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, citing several interventions including the adoption and prompt implementation of the new minimum wage law.
Ondo, he said, not only met the national benchmark of ₦70,000 but exceeded it with a ₦73,000 minimum wage. Retirees, he added, now receive a monthly pension award of ₦30,000.
On career progression, Aiyedatiwa disclosed that promotions were up to date, with the 2025 exercise already underway.
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He also highlighted major recruitment drives, including the engagement of over 2,000 new teachers and other staff in education, health, and public administration.
Additionally, his government cleared three years of outstanding gratuities for retired public servants and local government workers.
“We shall not sacrifice the welfare of our workers on the altar of politics,” he said. “Within the limits of our resources, workers’ wellbeing will always receive priority consideration.”
He praised the industrial harmony in the state, attributing it to the cooperation of labour leaders and the understanding of workers, particularly under the ‘OUR EASE’ governance framework.
He called on the workforce to uphold values of diligence, honesty, and patriotism.
“You are the pride of our past, the strength of our present, and the hope of our future,” the governor declared.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), in the state, Comrade Ademola Olapade, lauded the governor for inclusive governance and recent pro-labour decisions such as the 2024 promotions and the teacher recruitment exercise.
He also called for the elevation of Owena Press PLC, publishers of ‘The Hope’ newspaper, to the status of a Corporation or Agency for better staff career prospects.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Clement Fatuase, praised Aiyedatiwa’s administration for its strides in education, infrastructure, security, and healthcare.
The Head of Service, Bayo Philip, also encouraged workers to maintain their dedication, assuring them of continued government support.
Delivering the vote of thanks Leke Adegbite, Chairman of the NUJ Ondo State Council and head of the event’s planning committee, expressed appreciation to the Governor for his consistent backing and the smooth execution of the celebration.
