The Ondo State government has officially agreed to implement a minimum wage of N70,000 for all state workers, a decision that underscores its commitment to addressing the economic needs of its workforce.
In a statement made in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, the State Head of Service, Bayo Phillip, emphasized that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has provided assurances that his administration will adhere to the standards set by the federal government regarding the national minimum wage for workers. This commitment reflects the governor’s dedication to ensuring that the state’s workers are compensated fairly and in line with national policies.
Phillip further stated that the Ondo State government is fully prepared to implement the new national minimum wage, which has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, for all workers within the state. He reiterated the governor’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and well-being of the state’s workforce, highlighting that Ondo State was the first to pay the Thirty-Five Thousand Naira Wage Award to its workers, setting a precedent in the region.
According to Phillip, the state has also distinguished itself as one of the few states that not only complied with the wage increase but also continued to pay beyond the six-month period that was initially stipulated. He assured that this practice would persist until the new minimum wage is fully implemented and operational across the state.
Additionally, Phillip pointed out that the government has extended this financial gesture to include retirees and workers in state-owned tertiary institutions, as part of its efforts to alleviate the economic hardships currently faced by many citizens in the country. This move is seen as a proactive approach to support all categories of workers in Ondo State.
“Before the bill was officially assented to by the President, the Governor had made a firm commitment that Ondo State would pay whatever minimum wage was agreed upon and subsequently approved by Mr. President. As I speak, we are diligently working on all the necessary preliminary steps to ensure a smooth transition. As soon as the details of the new salary table related to the minimum wage are released, we will carefully review it, and I am confident that true to his promise, the governor will implement it without any delays whatsoever,” Phillip stated.
In addition to discussing the minimum wage, Phillip also addressed the operations of government offices during the ongoing protests occurring in various parts of the country. He noted that the people of Ondo State could not protest against their own government, as they have come to view Aiyedatiwa’s administration as one that is truly representative of their interests and needs.
Phillip praised the inclusive leadership style of Governor Aiyedatiwa, who frequently engages with relevant stakeholders throughout the state. This approach, he explained, has contributed significantly to the lack of protests among the youths, workers, traders, students, women, and other associations in Ondo State.
He remarked, “Here in Ondo State, there are no protests occurring. Not among the youths, not among the market women, not among the students, and not among public servants. As you can clearly observe, we are all diligently present in our various offices, fulfilling our statutory duties, and there is a sense of tranquillity that prevails across the state.”
Phillip emphasized that the absence of protests can be attributed to having a governor who is genuinely in touch with the feelings and aspirations of the people. He described Aiyedatiwa as a governor who is well-connected with the citizens, reinforcing the idea that the government being run in Ondo State is indeed owned by the people themselves. Therefore, Phillip concluded, it would be illogical for them to organize a protest against their own government.
