May Day: Makinde Promises Continued Good Working Conditions For Workers, Improved Welfare
•By Oyeniyi Awojoodu
IBADAN – The Oyo State Governor , Engr. Seyi Makinde has promised continued welfare conditions and enabled mechanism for workers’ feedbacks in the state.
The assurance came during the 2025 Worker’s Day Celebration held at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
This year’s May Day celebration witnessed the presence of workers from both formal and informal sectors under the umbrellas of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The State Governor, Engr. Syi Makinde was represented at the event by his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal.
Makinde, in his message, stated the significance of May Day since 1886. He pledged improved welfare and good working conditions for workers for a credible productivity and wealth creation for the country.
He said, “I join you today in commemorating Labour Day, also known as May Day, a day dedicated to recognising the unwavering commitment and hard work of employees across the world. Every year on the 1st of May, we pause to reflect on the invaluable contributions of the workforce—individuals who, through their dedication, build our institutions, drive economic prosperity, and uphold the foundations of society.
”The significance of May Day is deeply embedded in history. It traces its origins to the labour movement of the late 19th century, particularly the struggles of workers advocating for fair treatment, dignity, and the eight-hour workday.
”The Haymarket Affair in Chicago, in 1886, in which workers protested for better conditions, became a defining moment, leading the Second International group to declare May 1st as a global day of labour solidarity in 1889. Since then, May Day has become an international event marked by rallies, parades, speeches, and cultural activities, uniting workers across nations in the continued fight for fair wages, humane working conditions, and justice in the workplace.
”As the great American activist Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “All labour that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence. “This sentiment echoes the essence of today’s celebration—honouring the dedication, resilience, and dignity of every worker who contributes to the growth and prosperity of the society.
”This year’s theme, “Reclaiming the civic space in the midst of economic hardships, “is more than just a phrase. It is not only a call to action but a rallying point for advocacy and change. Around the world, many workers still face exploitation, underemployment, and unjust wages, making it difficult for them to achieve financial stability or economic independence.
”They, therefore, feel marginalised and powerless. Many of them toil under harsh and unsafe conditions, dedicating countless hours to their jobs with compensation that fails to reflect their efforts, especially at the private sector. Unfortunately, these situations lead to apathy and withdrawal from civic participation. These realities push some of the labour leaders into continuously advocating for fairness, dignity, and respect in all workplaces. Coincidentally, in Oyo State, there is freedom of expression.
”As the largest employer of labour in the state, the Oyo State Government recognises its immense responsibility to ensure that every worker operates in a just, fair, and conducive environment. Since the assumption of office in 2019, this administration has remained steadfast in its commitment to uplifting the workforce, transforming a previously toxic workplace culture into one that is productive, inclusive, and welcoming. In 2020, funds were released to all MDAs for office renovations, ensuring that workers enjoy decent and well-equipped workplaces that foster productivity and efficiency.
”One of the hallmarks of this administration is its dedication to the regular and timely payment of salaries. Unlike in the past, when workers endured months of unpaid wages, this Government took decisive steps to prioritise worker compensation, ensuring that salaries are paid promptly at most on the 25th of every month, a commitment that remains unbroken to this day.
”This government also understands the importance of career progression and is committed to eliminating promotion backlogs within the Civil/Public Service. Despite competing financial demands, we have ensured that every eligible officer has received their due promotion up to 2024. This dedication is a testament to the administration’s unwavering support for professional growth and development.
”Additionally, in 2020, the State took a bold step by elongating the terminal grade level for Officers’ Cadres to Grade Level 17, guaranteeing career fulfilment for those who may not ascend to the post of Permanent Secretary. Despite having the same qualification with their counterparts in the mainstream, hitherto, some cadres could not reach GL 17 before the advent of this administration. This initiative underscores the Government’s belief in equal opportunity for all, ensuring that hardworking officers enjoy meaningful career advancements.
”Oyo State remains committed to rewarding diligence and service, the reason why workers have consistently received 13th-month salaries since 2019. Even during economic downturns, when financial constraints weighed heavily on the country, this administration stood by its workforce, offering N25,000 palliative support to all workers while retirees received N15, 000 monthly, ensuring their welfare was not overlooked.
”In a further demonstration of economic empowerment, Oyo State courageously adopted a minimum salary of N80,000, surpassing the N77,500 threshold set by the federal government. This strategic decision was made to uplift our workers, improve their standard of living, and ensure fair compensation for their invaluable contributions to the state.
”Our commitment extends beyond those actively serving in the workforce—it includes the retirees who dedicated decades of service to Oyo State. The payment of pensions remains steady and reliable, ensuring that those who have served the State continue to receive their entitlements without unnecessary delays.
”Additionally, this administration has consistently paid backlog of gratuities since the assumption of office and efforts are underway to frontally address the remaining backlog of gratuity payments for both civil and public servants, thereby reaffirming our commitment to supporting our retired workforce. This administration also granted approval for lateral transfer and conversion of staff from one cadre to another.
”Understanding the importance of continuous learning, this government has actively facilitated local and international training opportunities for over 10,000 Civil and public servants. We believe that well-trained employees are the backbone of any thriving institution and that professional development is crucial for fostering innovation, efficiency, and excellence. As the renowned philosopher Aristotle wisely stated, “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.”
”This administration holds this belief dearly, and we will continue to invest in the intellectual and professional growth of our workforce to ensure Oyo State remains a beacon of excellence.
15. At this juncture, ladies and gentlemen, as we celebrate May Day 2025, I urge the entire workforce of Oyo State to recognize and appreciate the efforts of this administration. We have come a long way, and our achievements stand as a testament to our shared commitment to building a progressive, worker-friendly state. I therefore call on you to reciprocate this goodwill with unwavering dedication, professionalism, and loyalty. Let us continue to work hand in hand by fostering a workplace culture that values hard work, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence.
”Together, we will strengthen our workforce, uplift our economy, and build a brighter future where every worker in the State is valued, heard, and empowered. Makinde said.
In his address Chairman, Comrade Bosun Olabiyi-Agoro commended the worker’s resilience, called for basic infrastructure for every citizen for a better socio-economic society.
Comrade Bosun congratulated all workers in the state, he also lauded the state government under the leadership of Engr Seyi Makinde, the state Governor for the good welfare package for the workers in the state.
Bosun in his speech said, “Before delving into the theme for this years celebration of Oyo State workers and by extention, Nigerian workers, I will on behalf of all workers in the state use this opportunity to appreciate immensely the government of Oyo State as led by His Excellency Engr Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde and all members of his performing cabinet on their excellent and visible performance that has touched all aspects of governance in the past six years.
”I cannot over emphasis the remarkable turn around that has engulfed the state since this administration came on board and we are so much aware of the tireless and unrelenting effort that the state government is still putting in to make sure the lifes of residents and indigenes of Oyo state get better on daily basis
”As workers, we can not shy away from the unending recruitments and other labour friendly gestures we have enjoyed during these six years of exemplary leadership of His Excellency Engr Abiodun Oluseyi Makinde. Timely completion and implementation of minimum wage, timely payment of salaries and other entitlements, prompt promotion of workers are now like a given in the state. As Oliver Twist that we are, our daily expectation is simply to get more and more from this administration.
”We would like to thank our Father the Deputy Governor of Oyo State for your presence and timely interventions whenever we are in difficult situations. May God continue to add to your wisdom and grant you good health always.
”As Labour movement we will not relent in our advocacy to restore civility and work assiduously towards returning the country to a place where everyone will have a voice and the voice of everyone will be heard. As agents of social justice and propagators of fairness, through various channels of activism, we are condemned to making sure that workers and by extention, Nigerians have their rights protected through community organizing, public awareness, collaboration with NGO and other stakeholders.
”I would like to also point out the effort of Oyo state government in making sure that all her citizens are educated through her effort in the provision of infrastructure to public education sector but we believe more should be done in this area. We believe the fundamental cure of ignorance is education and this is basic channel by which an individual can be a positive participant in the civic space.
”Many parents today are struggling to see their children and wards through primary education and we still have a good number of people who are still not literate and many of them have been forced into vices that have endangered the public space. It is clear that government at all level must prioritize the basic needs of citizen as this is the only platform where everyone can have a fair share in the civic space. Bosun stressed.
Comrade Kayode Martins called for an improved living wage, stressing that the N70,000 minimum wage can no longer take care of workers to optimal living.
He lauded Governor Makinde for taking good care of both the active workers and retired pensioners in the state.
The event featured presentation of gift items to the winners of match past.
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