Adebayo Adenrele
As June 20, 2026 gathers momentum, workers in Ekiti State have trooped to the streets of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital in their large numbers, to publicly throw their weight behind Governor Biodun Oyebanji over an unprecedented improvements in welfare, transparency and overall transformation of the state’s public service.
The solidarity walk, which commenced at Terminal Bus stop and attended by leaders of various labour unions and over 1000 members across the state, spanned through Fajuyi roundabout before converging at the Government House.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of National Labour Congress (NLC), Ekiti State Chapter, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo highlighted key reforms and achievements that have directly impacted workers and pensioners across the state.
Kolapo said Oyebanji’s administration’s policies have ushered in a new era of fiscal discipline and worker-focused governance, particularly in the area of wage and salary administration.
The NLC Chair noted that the state government has fully implemented the ₦70,000 minimum wage, alongside consequential adjustments across all grade levels, ensuring fairness and improved earnings for civil servants.
He also cited the introduction of free palliative buses operating daily in Ado-Ekiti and Ikere-Ekiti, easing transportation costs for workers and students.
The NLC Chairman added that the government has facilitated access to ₦4.5 billion in car and housing loans for both teaching and non-teaching staff.
On his part , the Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) in Ekiti, Femi Ajoloko explained that the introduction of a gross salary policy has eliminated the issue of withheld deductions, allowing workers to receive their full pay and better support cooperative societies and personal financial planning.
According to him, the consistency in salary and pension payments now made on or before the 22nd of every month has also brought stability and renewed confidence among the workforce.
Speaking on retirement benefits, Ajoloko emphasized that the government has restored dignity to pensioners through the payment of ₦14.6 billion in gratuities, effectively clearing outstanding arrears dating back to 2013 through 2016.
He added that the Ulerawa Health Scheme has provided free health insurance coverage for over 9,000 pensioners, significantly improving access to healthcare and reducing financial burdens.
The Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Kayode Fatoniyi highlighted the reforms in human capital development, commending the administration’s commitment to meritocracy.
He said promotions and appointments within the civil service are now based strictly on competence and Computer-Based Test (CBT) results, marking a departure from what he described as the era of godfatherism.
On her part, the State Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Omotola Farotimi described the walk as a solidarity for good governance, saying it’s their responsibility to join workers to appreciate any government that keeps their welfarism abreast.
Receiving the workers in his office, Governor Biodun Oyebanji described their solidarity as a gesture he didn’t take for granted, maintaining all his contributions to the public service is a civic responsibility he’s proud to carry out.
Oyebanji attributed the enablement to various reforms implemented by President Bola Tinubu, stating that Ekiti has always been on the priority list of the President, promising to address other pending issues.
He urged the workers to rekindle the love by coming out en masse to support the All Progressive Congress (APC) come June 20 gubernatorial election for his re-election bid.
