The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ondo State, Comrade Olapade Ademola Adeniji has commended the Governor of Ondo State, Honourable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on the implementation of the new minimum wage, in which Ondo State is confirmed to be one of the first States to pay the new national minimum wage of N70,000 across the Country. Olapade also thanked the Governor for employing over 2,000 teachers into both primary and secondary schools in the State recently. He thereby charged the Governor not to relent yet in his efforts to make education better in the State, but to keep recruiting more hands into the school system.
The Chairman also thanked Mr. Governor for his kindness on the issue of Alagbaka Government Residential Quarters, in which he recalled that the Governor has assured that his administration will not do anything that will be harmful to the residents who are mainly civil servants, but will instead give them "soft landing" in the light of the proposed redevelopment project.
Hereunder is Olapade's full address;
TEXT OF ADDRESS PRESENTED BY COMRADE ADEMOLA ADENIJI OLAPADE, CHAIRPERSON, NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC) ONDO STATE COUNCIL, AT THE 2025 WORKERS’ DAY CELEBRATION HELD AT ARCADE GROUND, IGBATORO ROAD, AKURE ON THURSDAY 1ST MAY, 2025.
PROTOCOL:
PREAMBLE:-
Great Nigerian workers!
On behalf of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ondo State Council, I welcome you all to this year’s May Day Celebration, the international day set aside to recognize and celebrate the resilience, sacrifice and tireless contributions of workers to nation-building and development.
Workers’ Day is not just a ceremonial event. It is a solemn reminder of the struggles, victories and ongoing battles for justice, equity and improved welfare for the working class and by extension the retired workers. It is a call for reflection, solidarity and renewed commitment to the ideals of decent working conditions, dignity of labour and respect for the rights of workers.
I wish to salute our dear workers for their courage and tenacity in building a secured future for themselves and generations yet unborn. I equally greet our founding fathers, pensioners and veterans for their roles in nation-building.
Distinguished Comrades, I want to seize this moment to once again heartily congratulate our dear governor for his recent election victory and successful inauguration as the Executive Governor of Ondo State. Your Excellency, your victory is a testament to the confidence the good people of Ondo State have in your leadership and vision. It is our prayer that God Almighty shall continue to grant you the needed wisdom to be more successful in your good policies for Ondo State.
Furthermore, the Congress expresses its sincere gratitude to His Excellency for the reappointment of Comrade/Engr Bola Taiwo as the special adviser to Mr. Governor on Union matters and special duties. This thoughtful decision reflects Mr Governor’s continued support for organized labour and Union affairs in Ondo State. It is our utmost belief that the reappointment of Comrade Bola Taiwo shall further contribute to the industrial harmony currently being enjoyed in Ondo State.
The Congress commends Mr. Governor’s foresight and inclusive governance style, which has continued to bring hope and progress to the people of Ondo State. The Congress assures Mr Governor of its unflinching support and collaboration in promoting initiatives that will further uplift the people, especially the hardworking civil servants. We look forward to a continued stride in development, unity and prosperity under your able leadership.
The theme for 2025 May Day celebration is ‘‘RECLAIMING THE CIVIC SPACE IN THE MIDST OF ECONOMIC HARDSHIP’’
As we mark the 2025 Workers’ Day, the theme ‘‘RECLAIMING THE CIVIC SPACE IN THE MIDST OF ECONOMIC HARDSHIP’’ resonates deeply with the struggles and aspirations of the working class, across the Nation. Workers are being faced with harsh economic realities that have made daily survival increasingly difficult, from rising inflation to job insecurity and poor remuneration and inadequate social services. Despite these challenges, it is crucial that the voice of labour remains strong, bold and protected within the civic space now more than ever. The right to be heard must be reclaimed and defended as a fundamental pillar of democracy.
Civic space refers to the environment that enables citizens and organizations to participate freely in shaping policies, expressing opinions and holding authorities accountable. Unfortunately, economic hardship often comes with attempts to shrink this space through policies or actions that silences the activities of Unions or discourage activism. Reclaiming the CIVIC SPACE means reaffirming the workers’ right to peaceful protest, collective bargaining and open dialogue without fear of intimidation or repression.
Workers’ unions and civic society must take the lead in protecting these freedoms by standing tall and united, amplifying workers’ voice and engaging constructively with government and employers. By these we can ensure that economic reforms and recovery strategies do not come at the cost of fundamental rights. Reclaiming the civic space also requires digital engagement, transparency and renewed advocacy that leverages both traditional and modern platforms to speak truth to power.
The theme also challenges the government to create an enabling environment where engagement is encouraged and feedback from the labour force is treated as a critical input for sustainable policy development. In hard times, leaders must draw closer to the people, not away from them. Good governance thrives where civic participation is robust and policies are people-centered. Listening to the agitations, ideas and demands of workers is key to healing the economy and restoring public trust.
In conclusion, as we celebrate the 2025 edition of Workers’ Day, let us embrace the collective responsibilities of reclaiming and expanding the civic space. Let workers speak, Union should thrive and let the government listen to the workers and by extension the masses. Only through shared dialogue and mutual respect can we overcome economic hardship and build a society where justice, dignity and equity reign. This year celebration is not just a commemoration of past struggles, but a recommitment to the ongoing fight for a fair, just and inclusive future for workers, Pensioners and every citizenry of this nation, Nigeria. United we stand and divided we fall solidarity is the major key.
2024 MINIMUM WAGE AND OTHER RELATED ISSUES:
The Congress deeply expresses its profound appreciation to the Ondo State government, ably led by our workers’ loving Governor, Hon. Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for its historic and commendable approval and implementation of the current minimum wage of #73,000 for Ondo State workers, which even surpasses the #70,000 benchmark announced by the Federal government of Nigeria. Mr. Governor Sir, your good disposition to Ondo State workers is highly applauded.
Similarly, we recognize with much gratitude the simultaneous implementation of a #30,000 flat rate increase in pensions of our retirees, a bold and unprecedented move in the history of Ondo State. This compassionate gesture reflects a government that listens to and values the contribution of its workforce.
However, we must passionately appeal to His Excellency to please extend this same magnanimity to workers in the University of Medical Science, Ondo, and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo, Ondo State, to be on same page with their colleagues in AAUA and OAUSTECH who have been enjoying the new minimum wage since February 2025. ‘‘What is good for the goose is indeed good for the gander’’. The exclusion of any segment of workers weakens our collective progress and could dampen morale. Injury to one is an injury to all. Mr. Governor, it is a pain in our heart that our colleagues in Owo poly and UNIMED are yet to enjoy what others have been enjoying for over 6 months. We therefore, once again appeal to Ondo State government for the immediate approval and implementation of the new minimum wage of #73,000 for the earlier mentioned Ondo State owned tertiary institutions’ workers (Owo poly and UNIMED) and ensure the payment of their arrears in no distant time.
In addition to the urgent attention requested above, we also draw urgent attention of the Ondo State government to the plight of workers at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo, who are currently owed six months’ salary arrears. This prolonged non-payment of salary’s arrears had inflicted their welfare and productivity. We therefore passionately appeal to Your Excellency to approve for payments this outstanding and long overdue arrears of salaries without further delay.
Furthermore, we strongly advocate for the full implementation of the budgetary allocation on monthly subvention to all Ondo State-owned tertiary institutions, as passed by the Ondo State House of Assembly. Regular and adequate funding is crucial for the smooth running of these institutions, the well-being of staff, self sustainability of the institutions and the quality of education delivered to students. A consistent commitment to this plight will uphold the integrity and sustainability of our educational system in Ondo State.
STATE OF THE NATION: SECURITY CONCERNS IN ONDO STATE:
Comrades, the security situation in our State and Country remains deeply troubling. The continued incident of kidnapping and the heart-wrenching killing of farmers by armed herdsmen, especially in the hinter- lands, pose a direct threat to food security, peace and the dear lives of our people.
We call on the security apparatus in the State to rise to this challenge and take decisive action. Our farmlands must be safe, our people must be able to go about their lawful businesses without fear; No worker should leave home in the morning and be unsure of returning safely to their families.
RISING ECONOMIC HARDSHIP:
Your Excellency, we are not oblivious to the harsh economic realities confronting Nigerians today. The rising cost in essential commodities, transportation, housing and basic services has further eroded the purchasing power of workers.
We therefore urge the Ondo State government to design and implement a functional price control mechanism to check the spiraling costs of goods and services. We also appeal for targeted intervention programs to cushion the effects of this economic hardship, not just for workers but for the general populace of the State. This we believe will further enhance the good living of our dear workers and serve as dividend of democracy to them.
2024 WORKERS’ PROMOTION:
The 2024 workers’ promotion exercise has brought a welcomed wave of encouragement and recognition across the departments of civil service of Ondo State. It is heartening to see the efforts and dedications of hardworking workers being acknowledged through well deserved promotions. This gesture not only boosts morale of workers but also strengthens the collective commitment to excellence and quality service delivery.
We sincerely thank the office of the Head of service for the swift response to the yearnings and expectations of Ondo State workers. The prompt action taken in addressing the promotion, although a bit delayed is commendable and it is a demonstration of commitment and sensitivity to the needs of workers and it will further reinforce trust in the system. This will also be seen as strong signal or message that diligence and loyalty to service are indeed valued.
As we celebrates this progress we are making appeal that this positive action should be sustained by government to encourage, trust and good service delivery in the system. We urge all concerned authorities to ensure that future promotion exercises are handled without delay and adhere strictly to the rules that guides the exercise as contained in the civil service rule. This will further allow our dear workers to enjoy the financial benefits of the exercise to the fullest. Consistency in prompt recognition will foster greater motivation, enhancement and further solidify the bond between management (government) and labour (workers).
PAYMENT OF GRATUITY:
Your Excellency, we sincerely thank the Ondo State Government for the bulk defrayment of gratuities, particularly the recent advancement to 2015 for State Pensioners while Local government pensioners are currently being paid up to 2013. This significant move has brought relief to many pensioners and rekindled the hope in the hearts of those still awaiting their entitlements. It is a commendable gesture that reflects the government’s responsiveness and commitment to the welfare of its senior citizens who have serve the State diligently.
We kindly appeal to the Ondo State government to sustain this noble effort by continuing in bulk payments and ensuring the consistent monthly release of funds for gratuity settlements in both the State and local government pension departments. A steady and structured approach to gratuity payment will go a long way in reducing the backlog and ensuring that retirees can live their post-service lives with dignity and financial stabilities.
EDUCATION
The education sector remains the bedrock of societal development, and we sincerely appreciate the government’s recent employment of 1,100 primary school Teachers and 1,000 secondary school Tutors. This timely intervention is commendable and will no doubt help in bridging the human resource gap in our schools. However, we appeal for the employment of more Teachers in near future, as many qualified and experienced educators continue to retire every month, leaving a vacuum that affects the quality of education.
Mr. Governor Sir, we are also using this medium to express our profound gratitude for the recent approval of GL16 for primary school Teachers. This is a laudable milestone and we are indeed very grateful. Building on this progress, we further appeal for the approval of GL17 and the designation of ‘‘Head Master General’’ for primary school Head Teachers. This role will further empower them to act as neighbourhood inspectors in their various areas. Such a step will not only enhance administrative efficiency but also boost morale, productivity and the overall quality of service delivery in the education sector of Ondo State.
In addition we humbly appeal to the government to consider a soft landing policy for Teachers who are willing to extend their service years to 65. This will allow experienced educators to continue contributing meaningfully to the education system. Furthermore, we call for an urgent review of the head Teachers’ ‘‘Responsibility allowance’’, which currently stands at a minger amount of #400.
Your Excellency, we passionately propose an increase to at least #10,000 to reflect today’s economic reality and to better support those managing our schools at the grassroots level.
VI. MEDIA INDUSTRY
OSRC/Orange FM media Group: On behalf of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), I wish to commend Mr Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for the good job being done at the state owned Radio and Television stations, OSRC/Orange FM media group through the CEO, Mr. Keneth Odusola-Stevenson, while also making a passionate appeal to the Governor to fast-track the listing of the OSRC television station on the cable network to reach wider audience across the state and beyond.
OWENA PRESS: We appeal to Mr. Governor to amend the laws establishing the Owena Press PLC, publisher of The Hope titles, to make it a Corporation/Agency like OSRC and other government owned agencies. There should be an enabling law to actualise this. This will enable our colleagues working with the newspaper have a fulfilled working career. This is dear to our heart, Your Excellency.
PERMANENT SECRETARY APPOINTMENT: Also we appealed to Mr Governor to appoint a professional (journalist) as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Orientation.
VII. ONDO STATE HEALTH WORKERS; APPEAL FOR THE PAYMENT OF HAZARD ALLOWANCE:
Your Excellency, the Congress is using this opportunity to appeal to the Ondo State government to fulfill its commitment by paying the outstanding four months balance of the six months arrears of hazard allowance owed to health workers in the State. These frontline professionals have continued to serve with dedication, often under challenging and high-risk conditions and therefore deserve to be duly compensated for their sacrifices.
Mr. Governor Sir, you will agree with me that timely payment of the full hazard allowance will not only serve as a morale booster to these workers but also reflect the government appreciation for the vital role health workers are playing on safeguarding public health. We urge the concerned authorities to treat this matter with urgency and fairness in the spirit of equality and support for essential service providers.
VIII. ALAGBAKA RE-DEVELOPMENT PLAN:
WORKERS’ CONCERNS:
The Ondo State government’s plan to re-develop the Alagbaka Staff quarters has raised significant concerns among civil servants and Labour Unions. While the government cites urban renewal and modernization as the primary initiative it threatens to displace workers without adequate resettlement or compensation plan. The proposed demolition of the quarters without proper engagements with habitants/labour Unions undermines the welfare of the Ondo State’s workforce.
In view of the foregoing, we earnestly appeal to the State government to engage in transparent and meaningful consultations with workers’ representatives. Such dialogue is crucial to ensure that the development plans align with the interest and wellbeing of all stake holders, by fostering inclusive discussions. The government can uphold its commitments to workers’ welfare while pursuing its urban development’s goals.
IX. ONDO STATE NLC LEADERSHIP TRANSITION AND RESOLUTION:-
Fellow Comrades, following the retirement of the Congress former Chairperson, Comrade Oladele Amoko from the public service of Ondo State, the Ondo State NLC experienced a brief leadership vacum that generated understandable concerns. However, due to our democratic ethics, the matter was resolved through a free and fair voting process that culminated in my election as democratic Chairperson of the Congress on Friday 7th February, 2025.
I therefore appreciate Ondo State workers for the confidence reposed in me and the peaceful conduct that characterized the transition. I pledge, along with the leadership of the Congress, to represent your interests faithfully, fearlessly and formally in engaging all stake holders to advance the welfare and dignity of workers /labour.
X. CONCLUSION:
Conclusively, fellow Comrades today is not just a celebration, but a reaffirmation of our commitment to unity, justice and progress. Let us continue to stand together, work together and speak with one solid voice in the pursuit of a fairer and more secure society.
Let us remember that the strength of the workers is not in silence, but solidarity. Soro soke!!
Thank you all for listening, God bless.
