During the inauguration ceremony of the 12.5km Challenge – Odo Ona – Elewe-Elebu – Apata dualized road project, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State made a significant announcement.
He announced the extension of extra pay to Oyo State workers for an additional six months, as a measure to alleviate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal.
Originally implemented in October, the wage increment of N25,000 for workers and N15,000 for pensioners was initially intended to last for six months.
However, recognizing the ongoing economic challenges facing the nation, Governor Makinde decided to extend the wage award, much to the appreciation of the state’s workers.
Governor Makinde expressed that the initial extension period was intended to allow ample time for the government and workers to engage in discussions regarding the minimum wage.
“When this economic crisis started, we gave wage award to the workers. I gave them for six months, we started 6th October, I wanted that time to be able to sort out between the government and the workers what the minimum wage should be,” he said.
“We have not been able to achieve that. And I will announce today also that that wage award be extended by another six months to give us time to close out on the minimum wage discussion and negotiation.”
However, due to ongoing negotiations, a conclusive decision regarding the minimum wage has yet to be reached.
Consequently, the governor deemed it necessary to extend the wage increment for an additional six months.
In his address, Governor Makinde emphasized the gravity of the economic situation in Nigeria and assured the citizens of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) commitment to proposing actionable plans for national progress.
“We all know the reality of the times no matter how anyone tries to paint it. In the weeks and months to come, our dear party will propose action plans that we believe will work for our nation when adopted.
“In doing this, we will again demonstrate that we care more about the progress of our people than we do about politics. Like here in Oyo State, we don’t care what road, whether it is federal or state, we fix it because those roads have economic importance to Oyo State, not the federal,” he added.
Furthermore, Governor Makinde called for collective efforts from both the governed and the governing to uplift Nigeria and steer the nation towards prosperity.
He underlined the PDP’s unwavering determination to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every corner of the country, emphasizing the party’s prioritization of the welfare of Nigerians above political considerations.
