By Our Reporter
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has saluted workers in the state on the occasion of the 2026 Workers’ Day, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improved welfare, security and sustainable development.
Speaking on Friday at the celebration held at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, the governor charged workers to ensure that ongoing government reforms translate into enhanced productivity and tangible socio-economic benefits for citizens.
Aiyedatiwa described Workers’ Day as a reminder of the historic struggles of the labour movement since 1886 for improved wages, job security and social justice, stressing that workers remain central to national development.
He commended workers for their resilience and dedication, noting that effective governance depends largely on their commitment to duty. The governor also praised labour bodies, including the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria and the Joint Negotiating Council, for sustaining industrial harmony through constructive engagement with government.
According to him, the administration’s OUR EASE Agenda places workers at the core of governance, describing labour as co-architects of development.
Addressing the theme of the celebration, “Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” the governor acknowledged prevailing security and economic challenges driven by unemployment, poverty and criminality. He disclosed that the state had intensified security operations through the strengthening of the Amotekun Corps, including the recruitment of 500 additional personnel and provision of operational vehicles.
On workers’ welfare, Aiyedatiwa said his administration had sustained cash-backed promotions with no outstanding arrears, adding that the 2026 promotion exercise was already underway. He noted that salaries and allowances were being paid promptly and consistently.
He further disclosed that about 4,000 workers had been recruited across key sectors, including education, health, administration and agriculture, while inherited gratuities, including those of 2018 and 2019 retirees, had been cleared.
The governor also announced the appointment of 34 Permanent Secretaries to strengthen the civil service, and confirmed that salary arrears of staff of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic had been cleared. He added that a committee had been set up to oversee implementation of the new minimum wage at the institution.
Aiyedatiwa said healthcare delivery was being expanded through the Orange Health Insurance Scheme and the ongoing construction of 250- and 500-bed hospitals across the state.
He urged workers to demonstrate discipline, innovation and integrity, warning against mediocrity and inefficiency in the public service.
In his welcome address, the Head of Service, Bayo Philip, commended the administration’s reforms, describing his remarks as valedictory as he approaches retirement. He noted improvements in promotions, salary payments, healthcare support and welfare for retirees.
Philip also lauded the recruitment of thousands of workers and the appointment of Permanent Secretaries, which he said had strengthened career progression and restored confidence in the civil service.
In her remarks, the Controller of Labour and representative of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Olanike Mogboruko, said Workers’ Day remains a global platform for recognising the contributions of workers to national development. She called for sustained dialogue among government, employers and labour to address insecurity and poverty.
Leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress in the state also commended the governor’s efforts, while urging further action to tackle security and economic challenges.
Meanwhile, Governor Aiyedatiwa assured candidates affected by irregularities in last year’s recruitment exercise conducted by the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board that their appointments would be regularised.
He gave the assurance while addressing affected applicants on the sidelines of the event, acknowledging complaints of fake employment letters and pledging that all qualified candidates would be absorbed following due process.
Following the governor’s directive, the Permanent Secretary of SUBEB, Abike Bayo-Ilawole, instructed affected candidates to report to the board’s office for proper documentation and completion of their recruitment.
