Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of pensioners and tackling insecurity in the state. Speaking at the 2025 Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service held at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the governor pledged to review pensioners’ wages and gratuities, clear the backlog of arrears, and revisit the Contributory Pension Scheme.
He emphasized the importance of enhancing security across the state and called on traditional rulers to take proactive steps in maintaining peace within their domains.
Support for Workers and Civil Service
Governor Makinde commended the state’s workforce and labor leaders for their cooperation and dedication since the inception of his administration. He encouraged them to continue their efforts, assuring that hard work and merit would be rewarded.
The governor congratulated the 45 newly-appointed Permanent Secretaries, highlighting that the majority earned their appointments through rigorous examinations and merit. “This is a validation of what Oyo State Civil Service stands for,” he said, urging them to view their appointments as the start of greater accomplishments.
Focus on Pensioners
Addressing pensioners, Makinde announced plans to finalize the review of their minimum wage and consequential adjustments within the week, noting that the last pension review in the state occurred in 2007. He also committed to addressing the N80 billion backlog of gratuities for state and local government pensioners.
Praise from Stakeholders
Various stakeholders lauded the governor for his initiatives. The Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Muhammed Fadeyi, praised Makinde’s developmental strides, while Justice Olusegun Olagunju, representing the Chief Judge, encouraged workers to rededicate themselves to the state’s progress.
The Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, applauded the governor’s dedication to the welfare of civil servants, noting improvements in staff morale, infrastructure, and mass recruitment across ministries.
Labor leaders, including NLC Chairman Comrade Kayode Martins and TUC Chairman Comrade Bosun Olabiyi, expressed gratitude for the prompt payment of salaries, 13th-month bonuses, and the approval of the N80,000 minimum wage. They pledged continued support for the administration.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event was graced by top government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; the Governor’s wife, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde; and former deputy governors. Traditional rulers, religious leaders, and members of the PDP leadership also attended the service, which marked the 6th edition of the interfaith event under Governor Makinde’s administration.
