By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on Monday intensified his re-election campaign by appealing to workers and pensioners across the state to translate their support for his administration into votes in the August 15 governorship election, while promising to immediately implement any newly approved national minimum wage.
He made the appeal during a special Town Hall interactive session tagged “Day Out with Mr Governor and Osun State Workers,” organised by the Osun State Joint Labour Movement at the OHIS Multipurpose Hall, Government Secretariat, Osogbo.
Addressing a packed audience of civil servants, pensioners and labour leaders, Adeleke described workers as indispensable partners in governance, saying the achievements recorded by his administration over the past three years were made possible through their cooperation and commitment.
He said his administration came into office with a determination to restore the dignity of the Osun worker, stressing that the promise had been matched with practical actions.
According to the governor, Osun is among the few states currently implementing a ₦75,000 minimum wage, while salaries and pensions are now being paid regularly after years of uncertainty.
Adeleke disclosed that his administration had also cleared more than ₦80 billion in inherited salary and pension liabilities, including a substantial portion of pension arrears and the controversial half-salary debts owed to workers.
He further highlighted the restoration of the office of Permanent Secretaries, funding of outstanding promotions, free enrolment of pensioners and traditional rulers into the Osun Health Insurance Scheme, recruitment of teachers, youth empowerment initiatives and digital skills programmes as major milestones achieved under his administration.
“These achievements were not done to seek applause. They were done because it was the right thing to do,” the governor declared.
One of the major highlights of the event was Adeleke’s assurance that Osun would immediately implement any newly approved national minimum wage once negotiations are concluded.
“My dear workers, I wish to reiterate again that this administration remains fully committed to the welfare of Osun workers, women and youth.
“Be rest assured that once the newly proposed minimum wage is agreed upon, I am ready to give it immediate approval and implementation in Osun State,” he said to loud applause.
The governor also commended the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) and the Joint Labour Movement for organising the interactive forum, describing it as a platform that allows government to receive direct feedback from workers.
He said listening to workers’ observations and suggestions reaffirmed his belief that good governance thrives when leaders remain accessible and responsive to the people.
Turning to politics, Adeleke openly canvassed support for his second-term bid, urging workers and pensioners to participate actively in the August 15 governorship election.
He praised workers for standing “firmly for truth and continuity despite intimidation,” urging them not to relent.
“Support alone is not enough. On Saturday, August 15, every eligible worker must convert that support into votes.
“Your PVC is your voice. Your vote for Imole is your power.
“Please come out courageously, vote early, encourage your families, neighbours and friends to do the same. Help to mobilise to get out the votes. Let formal and informal workers demonstrate courage. We should not bow to intimidation,” he charged.
Adeleke assured the gathering that his administration would consolidate on its achievements if returned to office, promising more investment in workers’ welfare, education, healthcare, infrastructure and youth development.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Osun State Council, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, declared that the organised labour movement was solidly behind Governor Adeleke’s re-election bid.
He assured the governor that workers across the state would deliver massive votes for him at the August 15 governorship election, citing what he described as the administration’s unprecedented commitment to workers’ welfare.
Arapasopo urged workers not to entertain fear or succumb to intimidation but to come out en masse on election day to vote for what he described as “a performing and workers-friendly governor.”
He dismissed claims by opposition parties that the state was under tension, insisting that workers remained resolute in their support for the governor.
Other labour leaders, including officials of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), also pledged their unwavering support for Adeleke’s re-election.
They expressed confidence that with the backing of over 60,000 workers in the state, the governor would secure victory at the polls, urging members to mobilise colleagues, friends and family members to vote massively.
The town hall meeting formed part of ongoing engagements between the state government and organised labour ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with workers using the opportunity to ask questions, make recommendations and reaffirm their support for the governor’s administration.
