Local government workers in Ekiti State, operating under the umbrella of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), have contributed N10 million to the re-election campaign of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
The donation, presented in the form of a cheque, was made public during a meeting at the governor’s office in Ado-Ekiti, attended by permanent secretaries, heads of local government administration, and directors from the state’s 16 local government councils and 22 local council development areas.
According to NULGE President, Oluseyi Olatunde, the financial contribution reflects the union’s “unshaken confidence” in Oyebanji’s leadership and a shared commitment to ensuring his second term in office.
Olatunde described the current administration as a “golden era” for local government employees, citing significant improvements in their welfare and working conditions.
Olatunde highlighted several achievements of the Oyebanji administration, including the payment of five months of salary arrears, regular payment of deductions, and the settlement of leave bonus and gratuity arrears.
He also mentioned the implementation of a N70,000 minimum wage, the construction of an ultra-modern office complex, and the appointment of local government officers as permanent secretaries.
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The NULGE president vowed that workers would not allow anyone to disrupt the current pace of development in the state, stating that this conviction motivated their decision to mobilise both support and resources for the governor’s re-election.
Chief Alaba Abejide, Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, also praised Oyebanji for his efforts in repositioning the local government system, which he said has enhanced efficiency and restored confidence.
Abejide assured the governor of the workers’ gratitude and their determination to secure his victory through their votes.
He urged local government workers to encourage residents to update their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as a means of translating their support into a reality at the polls.
In his response, Oyebanji thanked the workers for their trust and support, assuring them that his administration would continue to prioritise their welfare and accelerate development across the state.
He expressed optimism about the upcoming primary and gubernatorial elections, attributing his confidence to the widespread support he has received from various segments of the population.
The governor also used the opportunity to address what he called fabricated content on social media aimed at discrediting his and President Bola Tinubu’s performance.
He affirmed that Tinubu has been highly supportive of his administration and the state.
He reiterated the call for local government workers to mobilise people to update and collect their PVCs.
The meeting was also attended by key government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, the Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo, and others.
