OSOGBO — The 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in the state capital of the Land of Virtue, Osogbo became a resounding show of support for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s second term as members of the labour unions rallied behind his leadership, chanting slogans in favour of his continued stay in office until 2030.
The show of solidarity was led by the state chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Bimbo Fasasi. In their separate addresses, the labour leaders declared their endorsement of the governor following extensive consultation with union members, attributing their decision to his track record in addressing workers’ welfare.
This was contained in a statement issued by the spokesperson to the state governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.
The union leaders highlighted the administration’s actions in favor of the workforce, which include prompt and full salary payments, regular settlement of pension and gratuity obligations, and the ongoing clearance of salary arrears inherited from the previous government. They also noted the implementation of the national minimum wage, free health insurance for pensioners, and payment of outstanding cooperative deductions.
Governor Adeleke, in his address at the rally, announced the approval of a fresh bond payment for retirees under the contributory pension scheme, totaling over N4.2 billion. The allocation includes N2.17 billion for state workers and institutions and N2.09 billion for local government and primary school retirees.
“The promotion process for eligible public servants across the state, including local government staff, would begin immediately. Salaries and allowances for April 2025, he noted, have been fully disbursed” he added.
The governor stated that the administration is close to completing the settlement of 30 months’ worth of outstanding half salaries, especially for contributory pensioners. He reiterated the government’s commitment to workers’ healthcare and to sustaining one of the most competitive minimum wage structures in the country.
Governor Adeleke further emphasized his administration’s fiscal discipline, stating that while the government has avoided fresh borrowing, it has reduced inherited debts by more than 40 percent, a figure confirmed by the Debt Management Office.
He pointed to growth in the state’s gross domestic product, improved ease of doing business, and policies that prioritize local contractors and professionals as signs of economic progress. He reaffirmed his commitment to a people-centered economy and pledged to continue making workers’ welfare a central pillar of his governance.
The governor concluded by assuring workers and retirees that they remain at the heart of the government’s development agenda.
