May Day celebration: Our administration paid N2bn palliative wage, says Gov. Adeleke
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has disclosed that his administration has paid over N2billion in palliative wage award to public servants and pensioners in the State.
Addressing the May Day rally in Osogbo on Wednesday, Adeleke stated that his records on labour matters confirmed his genuine love for Osun workers.
The Governor said, “I look back to what we met on the ground in November 2022, and I am proud to declare that I have kept faith with our promises, plans, and agenda for our workers.
“We have cash backed promotion of staff we met on the ground in 2022; We have implemented gradual defrayment of unpaid deductions from workers’ salaries by the previous administrations
“We introduced gradual systematic payment of half salaries owed workers and retirees by past administrations. By now, we are in the process of paying the 6th month for active and retired workers while we have gone far in paying workers, not yet bonded.
“Our government has also paid over N 2 billion for palliative wage awards from December 2023 till date. The payments include N15,000 for public servants and N10,000 for pensioners.
“We have implemented and cash backed the 2023 promotion for all categories of civil servants at all levels. At the State level alone, excluding tertiary institutions, local governments, and primary schools, over 2000 civil servants have been promoted with cash backing
“We appointed several Permanent Secretaries, thereby eradicating the wicked, obnoxious policy of the past administrations of the use of Coordinating Directors to serve as Accounting Officers of MDAs. The process is a continuous one as I had earlier promised as the Head of Service will be directed to do the needful at the appropriate time
“We have enrolled numerous retirees on the OHIS scheme to ensure they have access to quality health care
“We have continued to pay full salaries to workers and retirees at all levels without fail despite the tight financial situation. As I speak, we have paid April salaries and allowances
“We have continued to release bond certificates to retirees under the pension scheme, which to date has run into billions of naira at both state and local government levels.
“We are in the process of engaging new teachers at both primary and secondary levels. The process which is being coordinated by the HOS and the Agencies under the education sector is ongoing”, he noted.
On current food inflation, the Governor said his government is working to create special food marts across the state, adding that “such centers will sell food items at controlled prices to address the current high level of food inflation
He however warned public servants against violation of the official secret act, adding “we must stop divulging official documents and promising to sanction any official caught in this condemnable act”
The Chairman of the Osun State Council, Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Abimbola Arapasopo in his address commended the Governor for his landmark achievements in support of workers, confirming that “Osun Workers have never had it so good.”
