Workers in Osun, on Monday, pledged to support Gov. Ademola Adeleke’s second term bid in 2026 after he approved N75,554 minimum wage for them.

The workers, who were visibly excited by the gesture, trooped out joyously to the Governor’s Office at the State Secretariat, Abere, to thank him.

They were led by the chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Addressing the governor, flanked by his chief of staff, Kazeem Akinleye, the NLC boss, Christopher Arapasopo, described what the governor did as “unprecedented in the history of Osun”.

Mr Arapasopo said that the governor had proven himself worthy to the workers by fulfilling his campaign promise to them.

According to him, workers, in turn, will support his re-election in 2026.

“Your Excellency, you have proven to be the true son of the soil. You have proven that truly you are the son of your father.

“We are here to say thank you.

“We asked for the minimum wage and you obliged us, not with the standard N70,000 but N75,554.28k for the least worker in the state.

“You also approved N25,000 for the senior citizens (the pensioners).

“We are also here to say thank you for the palliative materials released to all the categories of workers, including pensioners.

“You have done what has never happened in the history of our state.

“You said in your first official engagement with us (labour) that where you come from, people don’t suffer, and you have proven it to us that people will not suffer under you.

“We pray that everything you ask from God comes to fruition.

“2026, no vacancy in Osun,” the NLC chieftain said.

He also said that they (labour leaders) have the mandate of Osun workers and that on 2025 May Day, “we shall declare our support for you for a second term”.

His TUC counterpart, Bimbo Fasasi, also appreciated the governor’s implementation of the minimum wage.

Mr Fasasi affirmed the position of the NLC chairman, saying that Osun workers “are solidly behind the governor and in 2026, ‘no vacancy’ in Osun State”.

Responding, the governor expressed delight the way the workers came out in their numbers to appreciate him for fulfilling his campaign promise to them.

He said: “During the campaign, I said our number one priority is to make sure our workers are happy.

“I have the fear of God, and I will keep repeating that any leader who does not have the fear of God is not supposed to be a leader.

“It is a sin for someone to toil, work and not get paid.

“I wish our federal allocation was like that of Lagos or Akwa Ibom. I would have done more for you, but with the little we are earning, I will make sure that you are happy.”

Mr Adeleke further said that his administration was working towards industrialising the state.

“When the state revenue improves, I will improve on the workers’ welfare and salary,” he said.

(NAN)