Oyo, most employment-friendly state in Southern Nigeria — NBS

The Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has recognised Oyo State as the most employment-friendly state in southern Nigeria, according to the latest employment statistics for 2024.

The announcement was made by Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, who noted a significant decline in Oyo State’s unemployment rate, which now stands at an impressive 2.0 per cent.

This achievement positions Oyo ahead of 31 other states in the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which reported a higher unemployment rate of 14.1% as of September 26, 2024.

Commissioner Oyelade remarked that the NBS figures reflect a consistent trend of high employment in Oyo State.

He highlighted recent employment initiatives, stating, “Recently, the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB) announced the employment of 7,000 new staff.

“Two weeks ago, the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) also announced the employment of 7,500 teachers and 3,000 non-teaching staff. This is in addition to the 5,000 teachers employed to TESCOM by Governor Makinde in his first term.”

Furthermore, he pointed out developments in the health sector, revealing that the state government has just concluded the hiring process for 375 personnel within the State Hospital Management Board, which includes medical doctors, nurses, specialist consultants, hospital administrators, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, physiotherapists, and other junior cadre officers.

The Commissioner added, “As we speak, the employment of 791 staff into the Oyo State Civil Service Commission is ongoing.”

He also noted the administration’s efforts to enhance employee welfare, saying, “In the same vein, the Seyi Makinde administration has effected the pardoning, reinstatement, and promotion of 1,800 workers.”

Oyelade praised Governor Seyi Makinde’s governance approach, asserting that his administration’s performance in various sectors, including welfare and employment, has exceeded expectations in the first two years of his second term, surpassing the achievements of his initial four years in office.

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