May Day: South West Governors Assure Workers Of Better Days Ahead

As Nigerian workers join their counterparts in over 160 countries to mark May Day, also known as Workers’ Day, Governors in the country’s southwest region have assured the state’s civil and public servants that they will turn things around and ensure better days ahead for them.

Addressing Nigerian workers that converged in Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos Island, Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, admonished Nigerian workers to remain steadfast since the state is ready to address the needs of the state workers.

Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s unwavering support for the state workers and met the demands of organised labour.

“Lagos State Government is deeply concerned with the demands raised by labour leaders and has adopted their key demands. My administration is dedicated to improving the welfare of public servants. We are set to continue strengthening the state workforce and announced that next year’s May Day celebration would take place at the rehabilitated National Stadium in Surulere.”

Addressing Ekiti State workers, Governor Biodun Oyebanji said the theme of this year’s Workers Day, “Reclaiming The Civic Space Amid Economic Hardship”, is apt, as it addresses the current economic challenges and the need for all stakeholders to ruminate on the best options to rescue the economy jointly.

The governor said, “I would like to let you know that this is a period for dialogue, synergy, mutual understanding in proffering solutions to perennial economic crises and accountability in governance.

“I urge workers as major stakeholders to come forth with ideas, constructive opinions and strategies to transform the economy for the greater benefit of the citizens. Let me assure you that on our part, all hands would continue to be on deck to explore better avenues that would make lives convenient for our people.’’

In Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa hailed workers as the driving force behind the state’s development, saying their resilience, commitment, and integrity have been central to the successes recorded under his administration.

Aiyedatiwa at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade in Akure, described civil servants as “the hands that build, the minds that innovate, and the hearts that care,” emphasizing that no government achievement is possible without their sacrifice.

“Our modest gains in office have only been possible because of your hard work across all sectors. From schools and hospitals to ministries and agencies, you are the true governance engine,” Aiyedatiwa said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, rolling out a list of interventions, including promptly implementing the new minimum wage law.

In Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke, in his speech, announced his approval of new bond payment for pensioners, which again drew wild applause from the dancing and singing workers and leaders.

“I have just approved, through the Office of the Head of Service, the payment of bonds for retirees under the contributory pension scheme worth over N4b.

“I have equally approved, through the Office of the Head of Service, the commencement of the promotion exercises for Year 2025 for eligible officers and staff across the entire public service, including the Local Governments”.

In Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun assured the workers that his administration would soon announce its position and decision on their various requests, particularly those affecting the pensions scheme.

Abiodun particularly emphasised that as a law-abiding citizen, his administration will always make decisions consistent with the law and in the state’s best interest.

Abiodun, who commended the workforce for the synergy between them and the government, said the cooperation has yielded positive outcomes, including placing the State firmly on sustainable socio-economic growth.