Why We Named Oyebanji Governor of the Year, Labour Union Explains

By O'Seun Ogunsakin

...as Governor Pledges more Worker-friendly policies

The Nigerian Civil Service Union (NCSU) has explained that it named Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State as the best performing Governor of the Year in recognition of his commitment to workers’ welfare, civil service reforms, and people centred governance.

Presenting the award to Oyebanji in Abuja on Thursday, the National President of the Nigerian Civil Service Union (NCSU), Comrade Oluwole Adeleye described Governor Oyebanji as a compassionate and responsive leader whose administration has transformed the welfare and dignity of civil servants in Ekiti State through sincerity, dialogue, and consistent support for the workers.

The labour leader praised the Governor for implementing worker- friendly policies, ensuring prompt payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities while also sustaining industrial peace by prioritising the welfare of workers and retirees in the state.

According to Adeleye,  the approval of GL 15 status for Executive Officers in the state civil service reflected the Governor’s commitment to fairness, career progression, and professional growth within the public service.

The NCSU President also commended the Ekiti State Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, for maintaining stability, cooperation, and professionalism within the civil service.

He noted that Olomojobi's leadership has contributed immensely to the cordial relationship between government and labour unions in the state.

Labour leaders at the event described Ekiti State as a model for labour relations and civil service administration in Nigeria, stressing that the state has maintained peaceful industrial relations through dialogue, mutual respect, and continuous engagement with workers.

They noted that workers in Ekiti State now enjoy regular payment of salaries, prompt implementation of promotion benefits, housing and car loan schemes, and regular remittance of pension deductions under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

The union further disclosed that the Oyebanji administration had released over N6 billion naira for the settlement of gratuities and retirement benefits of retirees at the state level while also sustaining monthly releases of N250 million for the payment of outstanding gratuities of retirees.

 

Receiving the award, Governor Oyebanji thanked the leadership and members of the union for the recognition accorded him.

Oyebanji, who was represented by the State Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, stated that the award reflected the confidence workers across Nigeria have in his leadership as well as his commitment to civil service reforms.

Oyebanji reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, professionalism, merit based appointments, and transparent labour relations.

The Governor reiterated his commitment to improving the working conditions of civil servants and ensuring that the public service in Ekiti State remains professional and productive.  

At the event were the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Labour Matters, Comrade Kayode Fatomiluyi, and the State's NLC Chairman, Pharmacist Olatunde Kolapo,  among others.