By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has announced that the new minimum wage of ₦73,000 for civil servants in the State will be implemented starting this month (November).
The Governor made this declaration on Friday during the 2024 Public Service Week celebration, an event marked with a fitness walk aimed at promoting the health and well-being of public workers.
Civil servants, led by labour leaders, walked through parts of the state capital before converging at the Government House, where they expressed their support for the Governor ahead of the November 16 governorship election.
In his address to the workers, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasised that the welfare of civil servants will continue to be a priority for his administration.
Governor Aiyedatiwa stated that the new minimum wage is a settled matter and a testament to his administration’s focus on improving the quality of life for the state’s workforce.
The Governor added that a committee was set up to work out the implementation structure of the minimum wage and now that it has just been concluded, he will give the necessary approval for payment to begin.
“Anything we have done for civil servants has never been politically driven. If workers are not happy, they won’t be encouraged to put in maximum efforts into their work. That is why we have always prioritised their welfare”, the Governor said.
The Governor assured the civil servants that if elected, he would surpass his current achievements, pledging to break his own record by delivering even more for the workforce.
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed appreciation for their show of solidarity and reminded them of his shared identity as the number one public servant in the state.
The Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philips, during the event, praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for creating a conducive environment for civil servants in the State.
He noted the administration’s commitment to prompt salary payment, regular promotions, leave bonus and the consistent disbursement of pensions and gratuities.
The Head of Service emphasised that civil servants gathered at the event were not politicians but were there to express their appreciation for the governor’s dedication to their welfare.
Also, State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Clement Fatuase, expressed confidence in Governor Aiyedatiwa’s continued support for civil servants and assured the governor that the civil servants would proudly come forward on November 17 to celebrate his victory.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.