Governor says workers’ welfare top priority as he hosts national labour retreat in Osogbo
Osun State governor declares his administration has maintained cordial relationship with organised labour
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has declared that his administration stands among the select few states fully implementing the approved national minimum wage a claim that sets his government apart in the national conversation on workers’ welfare.
Speaking Wednesday in Osogbo at the opening session of the National Retreat of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, Adeleke didn’t hold back on his administration’s labour credentials.
“Osun State is one of the few States implementing the approved national minimum wage. This also covers consequential adjustments for eligible workers,” the governor proclaimed.
Beyond the paycheck
Adeleke outlined a comprehensive workers’ welfare agenda:
· Regular and prompt salary payments across the state
· Consistent approvals of promotions and career progression opportunities
· Consequential adjustments for eligible workers beyond the base wage
· Monthly pension payments for retirees
· Substantial payments toward inherited pension arrears and outstanding obligations
A message to retirees
The governor made a special plea for pensioners, emphasising deliberate steps taken to improve their welfare.
“We have made substantial payments towards inherited pension arrears and outstanding obligations,” Adeleke stated, acknowledging the burden of liabilities inherited from previous administrations.
Labour-friendly administration
Adeleke highlighted what he called the administration’s commitment to the “dignity of labour”:
“We have maintained a cordial relationship with organised labour and kept open channels of communication for conflict resolution.”
Beyond workers: The broader vision
The governor argued that workers’ welfare doesn’t exist in isolation, pointing to massive investments in:
· Infrastructure development
· Healthcare services
· Education sector reforms
· Agriculture and local economic development
“These investments not only improve the quality of life of our people but also create a more enabling environment for economic growth and job creation,” he explained.
A vote of confidence
Adeleke expressed gratitude to the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council the official consultative platform bringing together government agencies and eight public service trade unions for choosing Osun as host of this year’s retreat.
He described the selection as “a vote of confidence” in his administration, where labour and workers’ welfare remain topmost priority.
The national context
The governor’s claims come against the backdrop of ongoing national debates about minimum wage implementation, with many states struggling to meet their obligations amid fiscal pressures.
With the N70,000 minimum wage signed into law in July 2024 and a two-year review cycle now in place, Adeleke’s assertion places Osun among a select group of states meeting their wage obligations.
