The Oyo State House of Assembly, on Thursday, applauded Governor Seyi Makinde for approving an N80,000 minimum wage for workers in the state, stating that the governor’s worker-friendly policies are unparalleled.

A statement issued and signed by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, noted that with this announcement, Oyo State has moved to the second position, trailing only Lagos and Rivers States, which have approved N85,000.

He stated that Oyo State now surpasses other leading states like Delta, Ogun, Ondo, and Edo in the amount approved as minimum wage.

He said, “It is good news that Governor Seyi Makinde has once again demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of workers in the state. The approval of N80,000 as the minimum wage for Oyo workers is a laudable decision that underscores the governor’s worker-centric approach to governance.

“This development is a significant milestone in His Excellency’s quest to improve the standard of living of our workers and promote industrial harmony in the state.

“The N80,000 minimum wage is not just a monetary incentive; it’s a statement of our administration’s resolve to recognize the invaluable contributions of our workers to the development of Oyo State. We believe that a motivated workforce is essential to driving economic growth and prosperity in our state.”

The Speaker said that despite Oyo State not being among the states with the highest allocation from the federation account, Governor Seyi Makinde’s gesture will serve as a model for other states to follow.

“This is a significant gesture, especially considering that the state doesn’t receive the highest allocation from the federation account. Makinde’s administration has consistently prioritised workers’ welfare and the state’s economic development. His policies have led to a remarkable growth in Oyo State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR),” he added.

“In fact, the state has seen a 90% increase in IGR through partnerships with the private sector and development agencies. This growth is a testament to the effectiveness of Makinde’s economic strategies.”

The Speaker urged workers in the state to reciprocate this gesture by rededicating themselves to their duties and contributing to the overall development of Oyo State.

He also called on the private sector to emulate the state government’s lead and prioritise the welfare of their employees.