Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has directed the immediate regularisation of appointments for applicants affected by irregularities in the 2025 primary school recruitment exercise. The governor gave the directive during this year's Workers' Day celebration held at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade in Akure, the state capital.
Aiyedatiwa assured that the anomaly would be corrected through established procedures by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). He stated that all affected candidates would be formally integrated into the system, ensuring fairness and transparency in the recruitment process.
Recruitment and Welfare Initiatives
The governor disclosed that approximately 4,000 workers have been recruited across key sectors, including education, health, administration, legal services, and agriculture. He also noted that inherited gratuities for retirees from 2018 and 2019 have been cleared, with a commitment to settle all outstanding arrears.
Additionally, salary arrears for staff of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, have been cleared. A committee has been constituted to oversee the implementation of the new minimum wage at the institution.
Addressing Security and Economic Challenges
Speaking on the theme, "Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work," Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the prevailing security and economic challenges driven by unemployment, poverty, and criminality. He highlighted that the state has intensified security operations by strengthening the Amotekun Corps, including the recruitment of 500 additional personnel and the provision of operational vehicles to security agencies.
On the justice sector, the governor said the government is upgrading judicial infrastructure, including the ongoing construction of the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Judiciary Complex, while reaffirming commitment to judicial independence.
Commendations from Labour Unions
In his address, the Head of Service, Bayo Philip, commended the administration's reforms in the public service. He described his remarks as valedictory as he approaches statutory retirement. Philip noted that the government has ensured prompt promotions, regular salary payments, improved healthcare support, and enhanced welfare for retirees, adding that salary reviews have been implemented beyond national benchmarks.
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.
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 the governor's efforts and urged further actions on security and economic challenges.
