There was jubilation at the Oyo State Secretariat on Friday as civil servants welcomed Governor Seyi Makinde back from his one-month leave with a major announcement on their welfare.
Makinde, who resumed at the Governor’s Office in Agodi, Ibadan, approved the renewal of the ₦25,000 wage award for workers for another three months and said the ₦10,000 monthly transport subsidy introduced to cushion the effect of fuel price increases would continue.
The announcement was made during a reception organised by the Acting Governor, Bayo Lawal, labour leaders and top government officials.
“I want to assure you today that the wage award will be renewed for another three months. We will also continue with the transport subsidy. I want to thank our workers for their efforts, dedication and support,” Makinde told the cheering workers.
He said the decision was necessary because of the prevailing economic difficulties facing workers and residents.
Makinde praised the workers for their cooperation with the Acting Governor while he was away, saying governance did not stop because of teamwork.
“We have shown in Oyo State that governance does not stop when the head is away. Teamwork ensured effective response to challenges. I am happy to report that I am not disappointed,” he said.
The governor disclosed that the state’s monthly wage bill has risen from ₦4.5 billion in 2019 to ₦18 billion, while the minimum wage moved from ₦18,000 to ₦80,000.
He thanked his deputy for steering the affairs of the state and said if there were mistakes, they would be corrected now that he is back.
“It is not every time you have an ally who is dependable. I told His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, to handle all issues while I was on leave,” Makinde added.
