Why we Donated ₦10m to Governor Oyebanji’s Re-Election – Ekiti LG Workers
By Ibironke Mulikat
Ekiti State local government workers have contributed ₦10m to support Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election, listing multiple reforms, prompt salary payments, and workers’ welfare as reasons.
The workers presented the cheque to the governor on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti.
Speaking during the presentation, the Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Service Commission, said the contribution was a mark of appreciation for the governor’s unprecedented commitment to workers’ welfare.
“It doesn’t require rocket science; a governor who listens, who meets our needs, and who stands by us will naturally attract our support. That is why local government workers are standing firmly with BAO,” he said.
The workers highlighted key achievements of Governor Oyebanji that endeared him to them, including:
• Salary and arrears payments: Settlement of five months’ salary arrears and seven months’ deductions owed by past administrations to local government staff and primary school teachers.
• Leave bonuses: Payment of 2016–2020 leave bonuses to both state and local government workers.
• Health sector reforms: Implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS for local government health workers, entitlements pending for 13 years.
• Appointments and welfare: Appointment of Heads of Local Government Administration, provision of official cars, and appointment of two Permanent Secretaries at once.
• Minimum wage implementation: Full implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage, making Ekiti the second-highest salary-paying state in the Southwest after Lagos.
• Infrastructure support: Construction of an ultra-modern Local Government Commission office complex—the first in Ekiti’s history.
• Logistics and training: Provision of Toyota HiAce buses, release of official vehicles, and sponsorship of local and international training for workers.
• Pensions and gratuities: Regular payment of pensions without default, settlement of seven months’ arrears of gratuities from 2018, and release of ₦4.4 billion to over 1,500 retirees since 2022.
• Loans and empowerment: Payment of ₦200 million recapitalization fund to the Local Government Staff Loans Board in 2023.
According to the workers, these interventions prove Oyebanji’s administration is worker-friendly and people-focused.
“These are some of the reasons why we are giving our total support to BAO. He has touched every sector, fulfilled promises, and prioritised the welfare of local government workers in a way no administration has done before,” the NULGE President added.
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