2025 Workers Day: Governor Adeleke Reaffirms Commitment to Workers' Welfare

…As Osun Workers Back Him for Second Term

By Sunday Okunade

Workers from both the formal and informal sectors across Osun State gathered in high spirits at Fakunle Comprehensive High School, Osogbo, to commemorate the 2025 International Workers’ Day. The event was marked by vibrant displays, dancing, and celebration.

Addressing the crowd, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers' welfare, emphasizing that it remains the top priority in his five-point agenda. He acknowledged the prevailing economic hardship in the country and expressed solidarity with workers facing rising living costs.

Governor Adeleke highlighted ongoing collaboration with the Federal Government to mitigate economic challenges and shared key achievements of his administration. These include economic reforms, approval of the 2025 promotion exercise for eligible workers, continued payment of a 30-month backlog of half-salaries, and free healthcare services for retirees. He also noted that his administration had not borrowed to fund governance and recently approved over N4 billion in bond payments for retirees under the contributory pension scheme.

Labour leaders across Osun State expressed gratitude to the governor for his pro-labour policies. Comrade Abimbola Arapasopo (NLC), Comrade Abimbola Fasasi (TUC), and Comrade Olalekan Adediran (JNC) lauded Adeleke for approving the national minimum wage, timely payment of salaries and pensions, regular promotions, and halting the unconstitutional appointment of Coordinating Directors through the reinstatement of Permanent Secretaries.

Speaking on the theme, “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” the labour leaders called attention to issues such as inflation, stagnant wages, underemployment, and insecurity. They urged all levels of government to address these challenges and fulfill commitments made to workers.

The unions also submitted additional requests to the governor, including swift approval of housing and vehicle refurbishment loans, enhanced training programs, and increased recruitment to fill existing vacancies in the public service.

In a show of appreciation and support, the labour leaders endorsed Governor Adeleke for a second term, citing his responsiveness and dedication to workers' welfare.

“Within less than three years, Mr. Governor has addressed nearly all our demands. His governance is unmatched. Without doubt, he deserves a second term to continue his transformative leadership in Osun State,” they declared.