The Ekiti State Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, has congratulated the entire workforce in the state as they marked the 2025 Workers’ Day with funfair and reflection in Ado Ekiti.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Reclaiming the Civil Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” Dr. Olomojobi acknowledged that economic challenges can limit citizens’ ability to actively engage in decision-making processes and constructive dialogue on issues of development, livelihood, and social welfare.
Addressing workers during the May Day rally, the Head of Service commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration for significant strides in improving workers’ welfare, particularly the recent implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage; a policy designed to move workers closer to earning a living wage.
She noted that the administration’s commitment to transparency and regular engagement with stakeholders has helped to reduce agitations in the state workforce, thereby strengthening the civil space.
Dr. Olomojobi also highlighted other government initiatives, including expanded access to healthcare, quality education, social health insurance for pensioners, and various support programmes for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
While appreciating the state government’s efforts, she called for continued collaboration and support from stakeholders to ensure sustained progress.
“On behalf of all workers in Ekiti State, I pledge our unwavering commitment to contribute our quota in consolidating the gains of this administration and fostering a civil space where every worker is treated with dignity and respect,” she affirmed.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ekiti State Council, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde, applauded the resilience, sacrifices, and contributions of workers to nation-building.
He described the May Day event as a solemn reminder of the historic struggles, victories, and continued fight for justice, equity, and improved welfare for both active workers and retirees in Ekiti and across Nigeria.
Comrade Olatunde lauded Governor Oyebanji for his proactive approach to workers’ welfare, his human-centred leadership style, and the administration’s achievements in infrastructural development.
He assured the governor of the NLC’s unwavering support and collaboration in advancing initiatives that would uplift workers and the general populace.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Biodun Oyebanji thanked the workers for their steadfast support and commitment to constructive dialogue, which he said had enabled his government to respond swiftly to labour-related concerns.
He reiterated his administration’s determination to prioritize workers’ welfare and pledged to continue strengthening the civil space, ensuring that the dignity and pride of Ekiti workers are fully restored.
It is noteworthy that International Workers’ Day traces its roots to the Haymarket affair of 1886 when workers around the world advocated for better working conditions, fair wages, and shorter working hours.
In Nigeria, Workers’ Day was first recognized as a public holiday in 1980 by the then Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, and later declared a national holiday on May 1, 1981, by the Federal Government under President Shehu Shagari; commemorating the historical struggles and achievements of workers in the fight for their rights and improved working conditions.
