Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday assured pensioners in the state of his administration’s readiness to implementing a revised pension scheme in alignment with the new national minimum wage.
Governor Makinde made this pledge during an annual Interfaith Service to usher in the new administrative year at the Oyo State Government Secretariat, Ibadan.
The Governor emphasized that the new pension scheme would be finalized after comprehensive consultations and negotiations are concluded.
He reiterated his administration’s focus on fairness and inclusivity in addressing the needs of retirees.
The governor expressed appropriation to the senior citizens for their contributions to the development of the state during their active years of service. He added that as a government that values equity, his administration would ensure the new pension scheme reflects their years of sacrifices.
Governor Makinde also expressed gratitude to civil servants for their unwavering support, noting that their cooperation had motivated his administration to pursue initiatives aimed at advancing Oyo State.
The governor congratulated the 45 newly appointed permanent secretaries, revealing that 80 percent of the appointments were merit-based.
He announced that the new permanent secretaries would be sworn in on Monday, January 13, 2025, and urged them to contribute meaningfully to the administration’s developmental agenda.
In his goodwill message, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by Deputy Speaker Mohammed Fadeyi, praised the administration’s policies and programs.
He reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at taking Oyo State to greater heights.
Similarly, the Chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), Kayode Martins and Bosun Olabiyi-Agoro, lauded Governor Makinde for ensuring the regular payment of salaries, approving the new minimum wage, and implementing numerous developmental projects across the state. They urged workers to remain dedicated to the state’s progress.
Delivering separate sermons, Reverend Israel Adeoye, Secretary of the Christian Council of Nigeria in Oyo State, and Alhaji Bello Rufai, Chief Imam of the Government House Mosque, called on civil servants to uphold ethical standards, fear of God, and act with integrity in the discharge of their duties.
Earlier, the State Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni (Mni), commended Governor Makinde for his consistent efforts in promptly paying salaries and other emoluments. She encouraged civil servants to remain disciplined, loyal, and hardworking to ensure the realization of the administration’s vision for Oyo State.
Mrs. Oni urged all workers to embrace transparency, accountability, and dedication in their duties to foster rapid development across the state.
