By Adedapo Adesanya
The Governors of Ondo and Ekiti states have expressed their commitment to paying the new minimum wage to workers, with Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Saturday promising to pay N73,000 and Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State committing to N70,000 with consequential adjustment to pensions.
Mr Aiyedatiwa, who is seeking reelection, made the announcement at the flag-off of his campaign in Ondo town for the November 16 governorship election in the state aid it was important for people of the state to vote for him to enable him to continue the good he was currently doing.
He said the N73000 new minimum wage was part of the fulfilment of his promise to ensure workers in the state enjoyed the dividends of democracy and lived a better life.
“In Agriculture, in order to increase our food production, we have approved over N1 billion to clear lands for our people to boost food production. We have also embarked on rural road construction and we have flagged off over nine rural roads.
“To further enhance and support our farmers, we are upscaling our security architecture so that when farmers go to farm, they will be secured.
“We have also supported our homegrown security network and other security agencies. The collaboration between the security outfit and Amotekun has been fantastic in achieving the desired result,” he said.
Mr Aiyedatiwa said his administration had touched different sectors in the last few months, to ensure that no stone was left unturned in the state.
On his part, Ekiti’s governor made his announcement during the 2024 Pensioners’ Day, held in Ado Ekiti, which marks the beginning of activities for the second anniversary of his administration.
He said that his administration was resolved to make life better for the people, adding “The minimum wage has become a law binding on all states.”
On the occasion, Mr Oyebanji presented cheques worth N3.5 billion to 829 pensioners who retired between 2014 and March 2015.
He highlighted some of the programmes initiated for senior citizens to include the free health insurance scheme for pensioners.
Mr Oyebanji explained that a sum of over N70 billion has been released in defraying the payment of gratuities, and urged the retirees to continue to pray for the success of his administration
The chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Kolapo Olatunji, showered encomium on the Oyebanji-led government for bringing succour and hope to the retirees.
The state Head of Service, Mrs Folakemi Olomojobi thanked the pensioners for their support for the government over the years.
Also, the National Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Mr Godwin Abumisi, who was represented by Mr Ayo Ikumapayi, and the state chairman of the union, Mr Joel Akinola, lauded the various efforts of the governor, pledging their continue support for his administration.