Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has ordered the immediate regularisation of appointments for applicants affected by irregularities in last year's primary school recruitment exercise in the state.
According to Aiyedatiwa, the anomaly would be corrected and all affected candidates would be formally captured into the system through established procedures by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
Workers' Day Address
While giving the assurance during this year's Workers' Day held at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade in Akure, the state capital, where civil servants gathered to commemorate the annual celebration, Aiyedatiwa disclosed that about 4,000 workers had been recruited across key sectors, including education, health, administration, legal services, and agriculture.
The governor added that inherited gratuities, including those of 2018 and 2019 retirees, had been cleared, with a commitment to settle all outstanding arrears.
Salary Arrears and Minimum Wage
Aiyedatiwa further disclosed that salary arrears of staff of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, had been cleared, while a committee had been constituted to oversee implementation of the new minimum wage in the institution.
Security and Economic Challenges
Speaking on the theme, “Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” the governor acknowledged prevailing security and economic challenges driven by unemployment, poverty, and criminality.
He disclosed that the state had intensified security operations through the strengthening of the Amotekun Corps, including the recruitment of 500 additional personnel and the provision of operational vehicles to security agencies.
Justice Sector Upgrades
On the justice sector, he said the government was upgrading judicial infrastructure, including the ongoing construction of the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Judiciary Complex, while reaffirming commitment to judicial independence.
Public Service Reforms
In his address, the Head of Service, Bayo Philip, commended the administration's reforms in the public service, describing his remarks as valedictory as he approaches statutory retirement.
He said the government had ensured prompt promotions, regular salary payments, improved healthcare support, and enhanced welfare for retirees, noting that salary reviews had been implemented beyond national benchmarks.
Labour Leaders' Remarks
In her remarks, the Controller of Labour and representative of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Olanike Mogboruko, said Workers' Day remains a global platform for recognising the contributions of workers to economic growth, national development, and social stability.
On their parts, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ondo State Council, led by Comrade Ademola, and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ondo State Council, led by Comrade Clement Fatuase, commended efforts of the governor and urged further actions on issues of security and economic challenges.
