In a significant move aimed at uplifting the welfare of workers, Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has pledged to implement a N70,000 minimum wage for the state’s workforce, contingent upon resolving the consequential salary adjustment discussions.
During the 2024 World Teachers’ Day celebration held at the NUT (ENDWELL) Model College Sports Complex in Ibadan, Governor Makinde expressed his commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of workers and pensioners alike. He announced an extension of the N25,000 wage award for workers and an additional N15,000 for pensioners for three more months, to bridge the gap while negotiations continue.
“The discussions on the minimum wage will commence next week, and we are determined to ensure that the N70,000 minimum wage is realized. We will collaborate with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to finalize the consequential adjustments,” he stated.
In a heartfelt tribute to teachers, Governor Makinde acknowledged their critical role in his electoral success and emphasized the importance of prioritizing their welfare. He reaffirmed his administration’s focus on education as a cornerstone of development, vowing to enhance educational infrastructure to create an optimal learning environment.
“I extend my gratitude to teachers for their unwavering support during the campaign. Together, we will overcome the challenges we face as a nation. Tough times don’t last; it is the resilience of the people that will prevail,” he remarked.
The governor highlighted the ongoing educational funding efforts, revealing that his administration has invested approximately N15 billion over the past five years in infrastructure improvements, though he noted that significantly more is needed to address the estimated N70 billion shortfall in educational resources.
To further bolster the educational sector, Governor Makinde announced plans for an annual education intervention fund of at least N10 billion, along with initiatives to recruit more teachers to meet the growing demands of the educational landscape.
While inaugurating a new block of 10 classrooms built by the NUT at the NUT Model School, he reiterated his administration’s dedication to improving local infrastructure, promising to upgrade the inner roads within the Owode Housing Estate.
The NUT State Chairman, Comrade Raji Ismail, commended the governor for his transformative achievements in the education sector and for prioritizing the welfare of teachers through various initiatives, including career progression and regular salary payments.
In a show of solidarity, Comrade Kayode Martins, chair of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Oyo State, expressed confidence in the governor’s commitment to fulfilling the expectations surrounding the minimum wage implementation.
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