Excitement filled the air in Ekiti State on Tuesday as workers began receiving alerts for their December salaries, reflecting the newly implemented N70,000 minimum wage.
Workers from various sectors, including senior officials such as permanent secretaries, gathered at the Governor’s Office in Ado Ekiti to celebrate the milestone. The jubilant crowd danced and sang praises, expressing their gratitude to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for delivering on his promise to implement the new wage across all categories of workers.
Governor Oyebanji, accompanied by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, Secretary to the State Government Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, and other state officials, stepped out of the State Executive Council meeting to address the enthusiastic workers.
In his remarks, Oyebanji attributed the achievement to President Bola Tinubu’s financial reforms, which he said had enabled state governments to meet their obligations.
“But for President Bola Tinubu’s reforms which allocated more funds to states, many state governments would not have been able to pay the minimum wage,” the governor explained.
He continued, “Honestly, I don’t think you should thank me. You worked hard, and the government has only paid your dues. After God, the person to thank is President Bola Tinubu. These reforms are the reason we can celebrate this today.”
The governor encouraged workers to remain steadfast and patient, assuring them that the state could exceed the N70,000 minimum wage if its financial situation improved.
“N70,000 is just the minimum,” Oyebanji said. “Once the fruits of these reforms begin to show, there will be a significant increase in what states receive, and we can add more to your salaries.”
He also urged workers to support Tinubu’s administration and educate others on the importance of the ongoing reforms, highlighting their potential to transform the nation’s financial stability.
Recall that Oyebanji announced in November that the new minimum wage would take effect from December 1. Workers in Ekiti State began receiving their December salary alerts on Tuesday, marking the realization of the governor’s commitment.
