By Kelechi David
Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated workers in the in the state on this year’s Workers Day celebrations.
The Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, said May Day offers an opportunity to celebrate workers and highlight their importance in the government’s efforts to impact lives of the citizenry.
Dr. Fayemi said workers’ contribution to the social, and economic development of the state in particular and the country in general cannot be overemphasized.
He noted that workers in Ekiti State have demonstrated brilliance and commitment in the implementation of the administration’s five-pillar development agenda
Speaking on the theme of this year’s May Day celebration, “COVID-19 Pandemic, Social and Economic Crisis: Challenges for Jobs, Social Protection and People’s Welfare,” Governor Fayemi noted that the harsh economic climate would not dampen his resolve to ensure a better welfare and more conducive working environment for Ekiti workers.
The Governor recalled that political office holders in the state including himself and top civil servants made sacrifices including pay cuts in their salaries which was not extended to workers during the peak of COVID-19 pandemic last year.
He praised the workers, especially health workers who were in the front line in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in the state for their commitment and dedication at the risk of their lives to ensure that the state overcame the pandemic.
The Governor pointed out that although COVID-19 affected the state’s accruals from the Federation Account and its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), his administration would continue to accord workers’ welfare a priority.
Dr. Fayemi stressed that his administration was conscious of the demands of the Organised Labour which he said are being looked into and would be implemented as the state economic situation improves.
The Governor said his administration has made it a duty to pay workers’ salaries and retirees’ pension regularly since his assumption of office while new workers were recruited to inject fresh blood into the system.
