*Wins LAWAN most outstanding governor award
By Charles Okonji
The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke dedicated has promised the Osun State workers an improved welfare package, haven bagged the prestigious Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN) “Most Outstanding Governor of the Year”, 2025.
Adeleke who dedicated the award to the workers and pensioners of the State, noted that the milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the immense contributions of the dedicated workers.
Speaking at the award ceremony over the weekend at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Ibadan, Governor Adeleke expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating it symbolises the celebration of Osun’s workforce and their unwavering resilience.
“This award is not just a recognition of my person, but a celebration of the workers of Osun State whose trust, cooperation and resilience continue to inspire our administration every day,” the governor affirmed.
He recalled that upon assuming office in November 2022, he pledged to restore the dignity of labour and bring smiles back to the faces of Osun workers and pensioners.
In his own words; “My government has remained faithful to that promise by clearing the backlog of 30 months’ half salaries and pension arrears inherited from previous administrations.
“My administration has ensured regular payment of gratuities, prompt promotions, annual increments, and timely leave approvals for civil servants. All these are “acts of justice and respect for those who serve the state diligently.
“We have fully paid all outstanding cooperative deductions owed by past administrations, thereby restoring confidence between the government and its workforce.
“All Osun pensioners now enjoy free registration under the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS), they all have access to quality healthcare without financial hardship.
Adeleke disclosed that from November 2024, Osunhas started paying a new minimum wage of ₦75,554.28, one of the most generous in Nigeria, before the Federal Government started the implementation of same.
“In Osun, we believe that the welfare of workers should never be delayed or politicised,” he stressed.
Commenting on the economic strain caused by fuel subsidy removal, the governor said his administration introduced a unique work-leave arrangement to cushion the impact.
“Workers on grade levels 1–9 were given two days off weekly, while those on levels 10 and above received one day off, in addition to their regular annual leave.
“All previous promotions without financial backing had been regularised with full payment. These labour-friendly actions were achieved without slowing the state’s ongoing infrastructural development in roads, schools, healthcare, and digital innovation.
“On capacity building, my administration has launched regular training programmes to equip civil servants with modern skills as technology continues to redefine the world of work.” Adeleke averred.
He commended LAWAN for choosing the theme “The Future of Work in the Era of Artificial Intelligence (AI)” for its 2025 workshop, saying Osun was already integrating digital literacy and innovation into its governance framework.
The Governor thanked LAWAN for the honour, saying it affirmed the state’s guiding principles of fairness, inclusiveness, and workers’ welfare.
“This award challenges us to do more and remain steadfast in our mission to build a State that truly works for its people,” he said.
He applauded the Nigerian labour movement for its courage and urged continued dialogue between government and labour as partners in progress.
Governor Adeleke however, dedicated the award to all Osun civil servants, teachers, health workers, and pensioners, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to their welfare.
“Together, we are proving that good governance anchored on compassion and justice can transform lives,” he said.
