Ekiti State Government says it has finalized decision on the payment of wage award to its workers as part of efforts to cushion the effects of economic hardship, brought about by removal of fuel subsidy.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji disclosed this at the 2023 Christmas carols and lessons organized by the state government at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Convention Centre, Fajuyi, Ado Ekiti.
The governor expressed his gratitude to the labour unions for their cooperation with his administration.
He assured them that the new wage award would be announced to the union leaders shortly and appealed to them to be understanding and accept whatever the amount might be.
The governor explained that the government had considered other important workers’ benefits such as gratuities, pension and deductions in determining the amount. He said the government did not want to offer a wage award it could not sustain.
“It is better we do this in a way and manner that everybody will be happy. So that no section will feel neglected. I am making a public comment on this for the first time because now, I have sat with the Commissioner for Finance and we have what we can offer to you and I appeal to the labour to please, bear with us”.
He added that the state government was obliged to give the new wage award to the workers since it was agreed at the federal level, and that non-government workers in the state would also be taken care of.
Governor Oyebanji also emphasized the need to explore available avenues to increase the state’s IGR and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accountability.
He also used the occasion to remind the residents of government plans to start collecting Land Use Charges from January next year in order to boost the state’s revenue.
Speaking on the carol service, Oyebanji thanked the people of Ekiti for their support to his administration so far and assured them that 2024 would be more fulfilling and rewarding.
The governor urged those who were financially blessed in the state to reach out to the needy during the festive season and assured the people of Ekiti that the government would intensify its efforts in doing the right things that would impact positively on their lives.
He again advised people against throwing a birthday party or putting up advertisements for him on the occasion of his birthday coming up on Thursday this week.
The event was attended by top government officials, members of the State Executive Council, royal fathers and members from various churches where government officials took turns to read lessons from the Holy Bible.
In a sermon, the pastor in charge of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region 25, Ado Ekiti, Tunde Abdullahi, stressed the importance of showing love and said that the birth of Jesus Christ demonstrated God’s love for humanity.
Pastor Abdullahi admonished the people to always follow Jesus and hold on to his teachings so as to be saved and gain eternal life.
Special renditions were delivered to the delight of congregation at the programme by Mr governor and members of the state Executive Council with body of permanent secretaries, Women in Government led by her Excellency, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, Ekiti state performing company, House of Assembly choir, among others.
Special prayers for the Ekiti state government, the people of Ekiti and Nigeria were also offered.
