Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and improved service delivery, urging public servants to translate ongoing reforms into higher productivity and meaningful socio-economic impact.
The governor gave the charge on Friday during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade in Akure.
Addressing workers, Aiyedatiwa described May Day as a reflection of the historic struggles of the labour movement since 1886 for better wages, job security and social justice, noting that workers remain central to national development. He commended their resilience, stressing that effective governance depends largely on their dedication.
He also praised labour bodies, including the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria and the Joint Negotiating Council, for maintaining industrial harmony through dialogue.
According to him, his administration’s OUR EASE Agenda places workers at the heart of governance, describing them as partners in development rather than mere stakeholders.
Speaking on the theme, “Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” the governor acknowledged prevailing challenges driven by unemployment, poverty and criminal activities. He said the government had intensified security efforts through the strengthening of the Amotekun Corps, including the recruitment of 500 personnel and provision of operational vehicles, alongside improved inter-agency collaboration.
On the justice sector, Aiyedatiwa disclosed that judicial infrastructure was being upgraded, including the ongoing construction of the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Judiciary Complex, while reaffirming commitment to judicial independence.
He added that poverty alleviation programmes were being pursued through youth and women empowerment initiatives, skills acquisition, digital training, agricultural support schemes and soft loans.
Highlighting achievements in workers’ welfare, the governor said promotions were being implemented without arrears, with the 2026 exercise already underway, while salaries and allowances are paid consistently.
He revealed that about 4,000 workers had been recruited across key sectors, including education, health, administration, legal services and agriculture. He also noted that outstanding gratuities for 2018 and 2019 retirees had been cleared, with a commitment to offset remaining arrears.
Aiyedatiwa further announced the appointment of 34 Permanent Secretaries to strengthen the civil service, adding that salary arrears of staff of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, had been cleared, with a committee set up to implement a new minimum wage.
The governor said healthcare delivery had been expanded through the Oranghis Health Insurance Scheme and ongoing construction of 250- and 500-bed hospitals across the state. He added that investments in infrastructure, agriculture, electricity regulation and industrialisation were aimed at boosting job creation.
Urging workers to uphold professionalism, he warned against inefficiency in public service and reiterated his administration’s principle: “Don’t deliver short, don’t deliver late.”
In his welcome address, the Head of Service, Bayo Philip, commended the administration’s reforms, describing his remarks as valedictory ahead of his retirement. He noted improvements in promotions, salary payments, healthcare support and retirees’ welfare, as well as large-scale recruitment and career progression opportunities.
Also speaking, 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 economic growth and social stability. She stressed the need for continued dialogue to address insecurity and poverty, which undermine decent work.
Leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress in Ondo State commended the governor’s efforts while calling for 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.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, he acknowledged complaints from applicants who received fake employment letters and reaffirmed government’s commitment to addressing the issue.
He said the affected candidates would be absorbed through due process to ensure proper documentation and formal inclusion into the system.
Following his directive, the Permanent Secretary of SUBEB, Abike Bayo-Ilawole, asked affected applicants to report to the board’s office on Monday, assuring that the recruitment and documentation process would be concluded in line with established procedures.
