Workers’ Day: Ekiti Labour Finds Its Feet Under Oyebanji’s Stewardship.

Workers’ Day: Ekiti Labour Finds Its Feet Under Oyebanji’s Stewardship.                                By Maxwell Olu-Ajayi

As the global community marks this year’s Workers’ Day, civil servants in Ekiti State reflect on a trajectory that has steadily improved since the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji began in October 2022. What started as a promise of shared prosperity has translated into tangible gains across the labour landscape.

From the outset, the administration adopted a conciliatory approach, redefining the relationship between government and workers as a partnership. By fostering a “family” ethos, it eased long-standing tensions and entrenched a culture of dialogue over confrontation

Central to its record is the systematic clearance of inherited obligations. Within three years, over ₦25 billion has been paid in pensions and about ₦14.6 billion in gratuities, reducing longstanding arrears and restoring confidence among retirees. Salary payments have remained regular and predictable, while outstanding deductions, leave bonuses, and other entitlements have received sustained attention.

The wage framework has also evolved. Government’s responsiveness to economic pressures is reflected in moves towards an improved minimum wage regime, alongside incremental salary adjustments that have modestly strengthened workers’ purchasing power.

Significantly, the era of promotion without financial backing has ended. Promotions are now implemented with immediate effect on remuneration, ensuring that career advancement is matched by corresponding financial benefit. This has strengthened morale and reinforced confidence in the system.

Incentives have complemented these reforms, while consistent training and capacity-building programmes continue to enhance productivity and align the workforce with contemporary service demands. The focus remains a professional, efficient civil service capable of driving the state’s development agenda.

These interventions have had wider economic implications. Increased liquidity in the hands of workers and retirees has supported local economic activity, underscoring the link between labour welfare and economic stability. At the same time, sustained engagement with labour unions and respect for workers’ rights have improved industrial relations, replacing agitation with constructive dialogue.

The response from workers has been telling. On April 30, 2026, they staged a massive thank-you tour in honour of Governor Oyebanji—an uncommon gesture that reflected growing trust and appreciation.

Challenges remain, particularly in sustaining fiscal discipline and fully resolving residual obligations. Nonetheless, the administration has shifted the narrative from uncertainty to stability and from backlog to order.

As May Day is commemorated, Ekiti presents a picture of cautious optimism. The underlying lesson is clear: when workers are valued and supported, governance gains traction and society advances.