Organised labour in Osun State has endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term, attributing its decision to what it described as the administration's impressive record in improving workers' welfare, paying salary arrears and implementing labour-friendly policies.
The endorsement was announced on Monday at an interactive town hall meeting tagged "A Day with Mr Governor," held at the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS) Multipurpose Hall, Government Secretariat, Osogbo, and attended by leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) and other labour groups.
Speaking at the event, the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, said Governor Adeleke had demonstrated exceptional commitment to the welfare of civil servants since assuming office.
He described the governor as a worker-friendly leader whose administration had delivered tangible improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare and the public service.
According to him, the government's policies have strengthened workers' confidence and reinforced its commitment to inclusive governance.
The Chairman of the Osun State Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), Comrade Lekan Adediran, said the Adeleke administration had transformed the fortunes of civil servants after years of financial hardship.
"There is no doubt that Governor Ademola Adeleke has performed creditably since assuming office. Before he came on board, workers endured years of hardship, including the payment of half salaries. Today, that has become history," he said.
Adediran commended the governor for implementing the new minimum wage and paying pensioners' gratuities, describing both as landmark achievements.
He urged workers to reciprocate the administration's support by voting for Adeleke in the August 15 governorship election.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Osun State, Comrade Bimbo Fasasi, praised the governor for maintaining regular engagement with organised labour and responding positively to workers' demands.
"There is hardly any request made by workers that you have not responded to. You have remained faithful to your promises on workers' welfare and labour-related issues," he said.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Osun State, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, said the administration had fulfilled many of the promises made to workers during the 2022 governorship campaign.
He noted that the implementation of the ₦75,554.24 minimum wage, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, and the liquidation of over ₦80 billion in inherited salary and pension liabilities had restored confidence among workers.
According to him, about 70 per cent of the 12-year pension backlog has been cleared, while outstanding promotions inherited from previous administrations have also been implemented.
Arapasopo added that even former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and other former political office holders benefited from the payment of outstanding half salaries cleared by the Adeleke administration.
Declaring labour's position ahead of the election, he said workers would not be deterred by alleged intimidation.
"No matter the level of intimidation and harassment, workers will come out en masse and cast their votes for Governor Ademola Adeleke," he declared.
Responding, Adeleke expressed appreciation to the labour unions for their support and described workers and pensioners as critical partners in his administration.
"I have always regarded Osun workers and pensioners as partners in governance. From the very first day we assumed office, we made a promise to restore the dignity of the Osun worker, and we backed our promises with deliberate actions," he said.
The governor highlighted his administration's achievements, including the implementation of the ₦75,000 minimum wage, regular payment of salaries and pensions, settlement of inherited salary and pension arrears exceeding ₦80 billion, restoration of the office of Permanent Secretaries, implementation of outstanding promotions, recruitment of teachers and the enrolment of pensioners and traditional rulers into the Osun Health Insurance Scheme at no cost.
He also pledged to implement any newly approved national minimum wage without delay.
"Be rest assured that once the newly proposed minimum wage is agreed upon, I am ready to give it immediate approval and implementation in Osun State," he said.
Appealing for electoral support, Adeleke urged workers to come out and vote on August 15.
"Your PVC is your voice. Your vote for Imole is your power. Please come out courageously, vote early and encourage your families, neighbours and friends to do the same. We should not bow to intimidation," he said.
The governor assured workers that his administration would build on its achievements if returned to office, saying, "Together, we have achieved a great deal. Together, we shall achieve even greater things."
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