Emmanuel OchayiOyo State Governor Seyi Makinde approved on Monday that workers in the state would receive a monthly cash award of N25,000, while pensioners would be granted N15,000, for the next six months.
The announcement came during a rally at the frontage of the Governor’s Office in Agodi, Ibadan, where the Governor addressed the state’s workforce.
During his address, he emphasized the importance of working together with the state government to develop the economy for long-term prosperity. He asserted that economic prosperity in the state would ultimately benefit everyone.
The governor expressed his administration’s commitment to both legacy projects and the welfare of the state’s workforce. He revealed that the monthly cash awards would commence in October and continue for an additional five months, pending an agreement on a new minimum wage. This move would result in an additional N2.2 billion on the state’s monthly wage bill.
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Makinde pointed out the need for a collective effort to address various gaps in the state, spanning infrastructure, health, and education. He urged the state’s workers to join in the efforts to lift Oyo State’s economy.
He stated, “We have been talking with your leaders, but one or two things I have to point out first is we should ask ourselves how come Lagos, which is only 120 kilometers away, has an IGR of N60 billion monthly but we are struggling with N3.5 billion or N3.8 billion. It was N1.8 billion when we came in during our first tenure. So, we must decide that we want to work to lift the economy of Oyo State. If we provide economic prosperity in Oyo State, it will get to everyone. I am asking you that we have to partner to achieve that vision.”
Makinde assured the workers that an agreement had been reached with labor leaders to implement the cash awards. He stated, “We agreed that pensioners will be given N15,000 cash award monthly, while workers will get N25,000 monthly.”
In response to the announcement, Comrade Kayode Martins, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Oyo State, expressed his gratitude and appreciation. He confirmed that the government’s declaration had ended all grievances among the workers and stakeholders.
Martins said, “The governor spoke to the people, and they reached a conclusion. So, what else do we have to do? The governor agreed to start the payment in full from October, and we feel that it is an excellent point to start from.”
Governor Makinde also highlighted the state’s Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) initiative, which provides relief and support to residents affected by economic challenges through various interventions.
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