Ekiti: Labour leaders hail Oyebanji for fulfilling campaign promises

Labour leaders in Ekiti State have commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his commitment to civil service reengineering, gradually fulfilling his election promises to workers and the wider citizenry.

The leadership of the trade unions described Oyebanji as a leader who places a high premium on the payment of workers’ salaries, pensions, and gratuities, thereby reducing poverty within their ranks.

The trade unions gave their commendations during a visit to the office of the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

In a statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, Victor Ogunje, on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Kolapo Olatunde, praised Governor Oyebanji for not betraying the confidence reposed in him by workers and the Ekiti populace.

Olatunde stated that the government had succeeded in gaining the trust of his colleagues through the prompt payment of all benefits due to them, thereby reducing the culture of mutual distrust within the system.

According to him, “The entire workforce of Ekiti State is pleased with the leadership being offered by Governor Oyebanji. He has been able to foster confidence in the system by fulfilling some of the promises and pacts he made with us. We are indeed proud of his leadership.

“I am not saying he has done everything, but he has been able to substantially address some of the issues, such as the payment of gratuities, deductions, and other allowances. This is a great hallmark of leadership, and we are pleased with him.”

In a letter addressed to the Deputy Governor and presented by Olatunde, the NLC also condoled with Mrs Afuye on the demise of her mother, Olori Esther Iyalaje Adegboye.

The labour union lauded the late Mrs Adegboye for her contributions to the development of the Ikere community and prayed for the repose of her soul in the bosom of God Almighty.

Adding to the commendations given by the NLC Chairman, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Labour Matters, Kayode Fatomiluyi, described Governor Oyebanji’s administration as wholesomely pro-workers, as reflected in the expeditious implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage and the consequent adjustments immediately after it was signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The former Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) pledged that the government would not derail from its focus on improving the lives of workers in the state to reduce the burden of poverty.

Responding, Mrs Afuye urged the labour leaders to embrace professionalism and shun partisanship to gain credibility that can strengthen democratic practices in the country.

The Deputy Governor described the professionalism of trade unions as a catalyst for development, emphasising their role as strong partners to the government and promoters of workers’ welfare.

For improved governance through incentives to workers, she assured that Governor Oyebanji had established an invincible working relationship with all trade unions in the state, based on mutual respect and trust. She added that this would be sustained in the overall interest of the Ekiti populace.

ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE