Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to prioritising the welfare of workers across the state.
Speaking during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, the governor declared that the wellbeing of workers remains a top priority for his government. He pledged to sustain the current momentum throughout his tenure.
Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to the state’s workforce for their continuous support and cooperation, particularly in maintaining open and constructive dialogue with his administration. He noted that such collaboration had enabled the prompt and effective resolution of labour-related issues.
“As a government, we are resolute in our mission to restore the dignity and pride of the workforce. We will continue to foster an enabling civic environment where all workers in Ekiti can thrive,” he assured.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ekiti State, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde, commended the governor for running a worker-friendly administration. However, he raised concerns about the country’s deteriorating security situation and called for a more robust and coordinated security architecture to safeguard lives and property.
“The security challenges we face today call for sincere prayers and urgent reforms. The ongoing cases of kidnapping, brutal killings of farmers by armed herders, and senseless violence in parts of Benue and Plateau States are deeply distressing,” Olatunde stated.
He urged security agencies to act decisively to restore order, stressing the need for workers and all citizens to live and work without fear.
“Our farmlands must be secure. Our people must be able to carry out their daily activities without the constant threat of violence. Nigerian workers, especially those in high-risk areas, deserve the assurance of returning home safely to their families,” he added.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Ekiti, Comrade Sola Adigun, decried the increasing inability of workers to hold political leaders accountable due to threats against the civic space.
According to Adigun, civil liberties are under growing threat, with trade union activities often disrupted by security forces and non-state actors operating with unclear agendas.
“Our right to organise, protest peacefully, speak truth to power, and demand accountability is under siege,” he lamented. “This erosion of civic freedoms is occurring at a time when our voices are most needed to drive meaningful change.”
He urged workers and union leaders to respond with strategic resilience in reclaiming the civic space, especially amid the nation’s current economic challenges.
