By Abiola Olawale
Governor of Ondo State, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has announced the implementation of a N73,000 minimum wage for workers in the state.
Aiyedatiwa, who is also the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State made this known on Saturday.
The announcement comes a month before the November 16 governorship election of Ondo State.
Speaking during the flag-off of the Ondo central senatorial district leg of the gubernatorial campaign of the APC in Ondo City, he said although the federal government approved N70,000 as the new minimum wage, he decided to go a step further by paying N73,000 to its workers.
Addressed the crowd of supporters, the governor urged them to convert their backing into votes for the APC to ensure the continuity of developmental initiatives across the state.
He said: “On November 16, I urge everyone gathered here and those who are not present to convert your support into votes for the APC to ensure the continuation of our significant progress in the state.
“Based on reports and my observations, I am confident that you all want this administration to continue beyond 2024.
“I see the love and appreciation from you, and I do not take it for granted. The best way to demonstrate this love is to vote for continuity, which will bring even more dividends of democracy.”
It would be recalled that many State governors including Ondo State had expressed their difficulties in paying the minimum wage shortly after the federal government announced it as a national policy. But in a dramatic reversal of tone and style, Aiyedatiwa said he was going to pay Ondo State worker s a minimum wage of N73,000.
Meanwhile, the governor highlighted the achievements of his administration over the past 10 months, stating, “During my time in office, we have initiated several important projects, including those started by the late governor.
“In agriculture, we’ve taken significant strides, boosting food production across the state.
“We’ve also approved over a billion naira for land clearing and launched various rural road construction projects to facilitate our farmers’ activities and improve productivity in rural areas.”
The governor reaffirmed his dedication to enhancing security, the health sector, education, and youth empowerment.
He noted that his administration’s efforts have made doctors more willing to stay in the state instead of leaving for opportunities elsewhere, a trend known as the “Japa” syndrome. To address this, he mentioned that his administration has increased doctors’ salaries and allowances.
The New Diplomat reports that Aiyedatiwa, the former deputy governor who assumed the position of governor following the passing of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in December 2023, is considered one of the frontrunners in the upcoming Ondo gubernatorial election.
He is contesting against Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who is also a former Deputy Governor of Ondo state.
It would be recalled that Ajayi served as Akeredolu’s Deputy from 2017 to 2021 before their relationship deteriorated. Subsequently, the late governor opted to part ways with Ajayi and appointed Aiyedatiwa as his Deputy for his second tenure.
