Ekiti employed 10,000 workers in three-and-half years — Oyebanji

From the perspective of The Punch (Nigeria):

“

It is for this reason we have remained committed to the welfare of our workers through prompt and regular payment of salaries, allowances, pensions and gratuities.

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has presented a robust picture of his administration's employment and welfare initiatives, particularly highlighting the creation of approximately 10,000 jobs over the last three and a half years. This figure, presented during the 2026 May Day celebration, underscores a significant focus on expanding the state's workforce across diverse sectors, including education and healthcare.

The governor further detailed the administration's commitment to career progression and staff development by noting that over 37,000 workers have benefited from promotions, conversions, or advancements. Additionally, nearly 2,000 workers have undergone inter-cadre transfers, indicating a dynamic approach to human resource management within the state civil service. Oyebanji emphasized the consistent and prompt payment of salaries, allowances, and pensions, assuring workers that promotion arrears have been cleared up to 2025, backed by a monthly financial commitment of N43.86 million.

“

We have recruited 4,253 teachers across SUBEB, the Teaching Service Commission and the Ministry of Education. This is aside the 1,217 non-teaching staff employed to support our educational system.

Oyebanji's address, delivered to a large gathering of union members, served not only to report on achievements but also to reinforce his administration's dedication to the welfare of Ekiti workers. The specific figures provided for recruitment in education (4,253 teachers, 1,217 non-teaching staff) and health (1,396 and 489 health workers, plus 160 doctors and nurses) demonstrate a targeted approach to addressing manpower needs. The increase in car and housing loans, along with significant payments towards inherited pension arrears, further paints a picture of a government actively working to fulfill its obligations and improve the quality of life for its employees. This narrative, presented on Workers' Day, aims to solidify the governor's image as a pro-worker leader.

“

In response to manpower shortage in the health sector, 1,396 and 489 health workers were employed through the Hospitals Management Board and Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, respectively. This is aside the 160 contract appointments of doctors and nurses to fill critical areas of our health care system.