1st May, 2025
Taiwo Ogunniyi
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to build a self-reliant and economically viable Kwara State, declaring that the state is on a consistent path to sustainable development.
Represented by his Senior Advisor and Counselor, Saadu Salahu, the Governor made the declaration at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Kwara State Stadium Complex in Ilorin. He commended workers for their enduring support and charged them to remain hopeful and committed to the collective vision for a greater Kwara.
“We are determined to build a Kwara where careers are nurtured, jobs are plentiful, and every citizen has the opportunity to thrive,” the Governor stated, assuring workers that their welfare remains a top priority for his administration.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, AbdulRazaq pointed to improved financial management, prompt payment of salaries, social support schemes, and investment in entrepreneurship as indicators of progress. He also urged workers to embrace innovation and technological advancement to stay relevant in a changing job market.
“Your dedication, resilience, and skill remain the pillars of our development,” he added, recognizing the vital roles played by workers across all sectors—from agriculture to healthcare and education.
The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi Salihu, also joined in celebrating workers, acknowledging their critical role in shaping the state’s growth. “We will continue to acknowledge and celebrate your immeasurable contributions as our backbone,” he said.
However, labour leaders used the occasion to spotlight lingering challenges confronting workers in the state. The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kwara, Comrade Saheed Olayinka, decried the high cost of living, housing deficits, job insecurity, and inadequate access to healthcare.
He called on the government to intensify efforts to curb inflation, boost local industries, and invest in public transportation to ease the burden on workers. “We remain committed to engaging constructively with the government on these pressing issues,” he affirmed.
Olayinka also appealed for the appointment of qualified local government workers as permanent secretaries, insisting they deserve equal recognition.
In a similar vein, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Kwara, Comrade Abdulrahman Olayinka Onikijipa, advocated for the construction of affordable housing for civil servants and the introduction of a 35 percent salary subsidy allowance to cushion the impact of economic hardship.
He further urged the state government to immediately implement the N30,000 minimum wage percentage allowance for pensioners.
The event was graced by top government officials, labour leaders, and dignitaries including former NNPCL board member, Ibrahim Mohammed Ghali.
