Protocols
It is with great pride and a deep sense of appreciation that I stand before you today as the Chief Guest of Honour at this year’s Workers’ Day celebration. I warmly felicitate with all workers in Osun State and across Nigeria on this special occasion that recognises your sacrifices, dedication and invaluable contributions to the growth and development of our society.
Workers’ Day is not just a day of celebration. It is also a moment of reflection on the journey of our workers, especially the difficult years many of our workers endured in the past. For over a decade before our administration, Osun workers and pensioners faced significant hardships, ranging for irregular salary payments to accumulated arrears and unmet welfare obligations. Today, therefore, provides an opportunity to acknowledge those challenges while reaffirming our commitment to a new era where the dignity of labour is respected and the welfare of workers is given the priority it deserves.
From the very beginning of this administration in November 2022, we made a firm commitment to prioritise the welfare of workers and pensioners. We understood clearly that no meaningful development can take place without a motivated and well supported workforce.
I am proud to state that we have matched our promises with actions. A few of these include the implementation of the new minimum wage of ₦75,554.28 in Osun State. This was not just a policy decision but a deliberate effort to improve the standard of living of our workers and ensure that their labour is fairly rewarded, even when most States that are more buoyant than Osun were yet to implement the new minimum wage.
We also took bold steps to address the painful backlog of inherited liabilities. To date, we have cleared over ₦50 billion in pension arrears and outstanding obligations. We have made significant progress in settling the notorious half salaries owed by previous administrations, bringing relief to thousands of workers and retirees. In addition, we have tackled a pension debt backlog that spanned over a decade, clearing nearly 70 percent of these obligations. This is a clear demonstration of our commitment to restoring dignity to our senior citizens who have served this State meritoriously.
Understanding the health needs of our retirees, we enrolled pensioners into the Osun Health Insurance Scheme free of charge. This initiative ensures that our retirees have access to quality healthcare, including partial coverage for surgeries, without financial burden. This has greatly reduced the mortality rate and poverty level of Osun pensioners.
We have also ensured the regular and prompt payment of salaries and pensions. Our Government has restored confidence in the public service by making timely payment a priority, because we understand the importance of financial stability to every worker and their family.
Despite the well-known challenges facing the State, particularly the denial of access to Local Government funds, this administration has remained steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of our people. In spite of these constraints, you have continued to ensure the regular payment of salaries of Local Government workers, allowances of our traditional rulers and all those entitled under the LG system. This is in addition to our sustained investments in the critical infrastructure across the State.
In the area of Public Service reform, we restored the position of Permanent Secretaries from the previous adoption of Coordinating Director, thereby strengthening the administrative structure and professionalism within the civil service. We also ensured that promotions previously approved without financial backing are now fully and timely funded and implemented.
In the education sector, we have recruited new teachers to fill critical vacancies in both primary and secondary schools, thereby improving the quality of teaching and learning in our schools. Through the Imole Youth Corps, we have empowered over 10,000 young people with opportunities across various sectors, while also providing digital and ICT training for teachers to enhance modern learning methods in our schools. All these achievements are not accidental. They are the result of a people-centred approach to governance and a firm belief that workers deserve respect, fairness and support.
Let me at this point sincerely appreciate the leadership of the labour movement in Osun State for their cooperation, understanding and constructive engagement with this administration. Your support has been instrumental in the progress we have recorded so far.
As we approach another important moment in our democratic journey with the forthcoming gubernatorial election, I wish to thank the workers of Osun State for their continued trust and for the endorsement already given to this administration. I want to say with every deep sense of responsibility that the journey we have started together is not yet complete. The reforms we have initiated, the welfare improvements we have delivered and the stability we have restored must be sustained.
I therefore, call on you, the hardworking men and women of Osun State , to stand firmly with this administration in the forthcoming Augus 15 election. Your vote is not just for a candidate, it is for the protection of your welfare, the sustenance of the gains we have made together and the continuation of a government that has prioritised your wellbeing. I urge you to come out en-masse, vote for continuity and ensure that the progress you have built is not reversed. Together, let us work collectively to secure the future of Osun State.
On this Workers’ Day, I assure you once again that this administration will continue to prioritise your welfare, protect your rights and create an enabling environment for you to thrive.
I congratulate all workers in Osun State and wish you a happy and fulfilling celebration.
God bless Osun Workers!
God bless Osun State!!
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
