The Chairman of the Oyo State Council of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Bosun Olabiyi-Agoro, has stated that Governor ‘Seyi Makinde's outstanding performance has placed labour leaders in the state in a difficult position.
In an interview with The People’s Verdict, Olabiyi-Agoro noted that the governor’s achievements make it hard for labour leaders to criticise the administration without appearing to be its promoters.
“It has been very difficult for us as labour leaders to speak about this government, as led by Engr ‘Seyi Makinde, without sounding as if we are his hype men. He has been wonderful, he has been magnanimous. He has been good. This is not far-fetched going by the series of awards that he has been winning.”
Olabiyi-Agoro referenced a September 2024 report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which ranked Oyo as the most labour-friendly state in Southern Nigeria and second in the entire country. He highlighted this as proof of the administration’s commitment to workers' welfare.
Speaking on recruitment efforts, the TUC chairman stated:
“In his first term, he recruited 5,000 teachers. At the beginning of his second term, SUBEB took in 7,000 teachers, TESCOM 7,500, and 1,500 medical and health workers, including doctors and nurses. Even in schools, 3,000 non-teaching staff were recruited.”
He also praised the governor for regularising the employment of many ad-hoc and previously laid-off staff, including those at the local government level and the Oyo State Agricultural Development Programme (OYSADEP). Additionally, 791 civil servants were absorbed into the mainstream service.
“That is why I said he has put us in a difficult position — though a positive one — because it is what we see that we are going to talk about. When there are issues, we shout. But when there are positives, we must speak up as well.”
Olabiyi-Agoro commended the governor’s consistent salary payment, saying:
“Since he came into office six years ago, he has ensured salaries are paid on or before the 25th of every month. That was not the narrative before.”
He also noted the introduction of the 13th-month salary and the regular payment of wage awards during the post-fuel subsidy removal period, setting a new standard for governance in Oyo State.
Finally, he emphasised that the governor’s commitment to workers has not hindered infrastructural development:
“His investment in workers' welfare has not impaired the development of the state. He has also invested immensely in infrastructure.”