News
Ekiti Governor Emphasizes Support for Workers’ Living Wage
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has stressed the importance of fiscal federalism, allowing states to afford a living wage for Nigerian workers. Speaking at the 7th Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) in Ado-Ekiti, Oyebanji reiterated the Nigerian Governors Forum’s (NGF) stance that no state governor wishes to retrench workers due to the inability to pay the new minimum wage.
Oyebanji addressed the ongoing debate between organized labor, state and federal governments, and other key stakeholders regarding the proposed new minimum wage. He emphasized that while governors support a living wage, it must align with the states’ financial capacities. “The NGF is not against the living wage or the minimum wage,” Oyebanji said. “But it must reflect fiscal federalism and the ability to pay. No governor wants to retrench workers, but without a concurrent increase in state revenue, it would be impossible to afford the new minimum wage.”
During his speech, Oyebanji urged Ekiti State workers to embrace agriculture, highlighting his administration’s efforts to clear over 2,000 hectares of land for free distribution to interested residents. He encouraged civil servants to form cooperatives to benefit from available agricultural support, including free land clearing, input provision, and purchase agreements from the government.
Governor Oyebanji underscored the vital role of civil servants in the state’s governance, describing them as the driving force behind state operations and the implementation of his administration’s Six Pillars. He credited their efficiency and effectiveness for the administration’s achievements and accolades.
“I am here to associate and celebrate with you as key stakeholders in our state’s governance. This conference is not just for senior civil servants; it is a platform for all of us to learn, share experiences, and exchange ideas. I am here not just as a Special Guest of Honour but as a student of Public Administration,” Oyebanji concluded.
APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe has pointed fingers at Nigerian traders for the continued surge in food prices across the country. In a Facebook post on Saturday, the outspoken supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration accused traders of being too greedy to reduce their prices.
He added that even as statistics suggest that the cost of food is starting to drop, traders have refused to comply. Furthermore, he expressed frustration, saying the refusal to lower prices shows a deeper problem of selfishness among citizens. According to him, Nigerians are their own worst enemies, driven by greed and a habit of taking more than they need.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to travel to Rome this Saturday to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The invitation came directly from Pope Leo XIV, who emphasized the importance of the president’s presence during this significant moment for the Church and a world facing many challenges.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, will be officially installed as the 267th Bishop of Rome on Sunday, May 18, at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
President Tinubu will be accompanied by key Catholic figures, including the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto.
Notably, Pope Leo XIV has a special connection to Nigeria, having worked at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s. After the ceremony, President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to preserve their culture and ensure it doesn’t fade away with time. Speaking through his deputy, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, at the 2025 World Egungun Festival grand finale held in Ibadan, Makinde emphasized the importance of keeping traditions alive.
The event took place at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in the Oke Ado area and was graced by top dignitaries including Chief Lekan Alabi, who represented the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Osun State’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ojo Abiodun, Prince Adeola Adelakun of Oje Parapo Worldwide, and Oyo State’s own Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun.
Makinde stressed that culture and tourism are key focus areas for his administration, and his government is committed to supporting efforts that will keep local traditions thriving. He added that by investing in cultural events and heritage, the state can boost its economy through tourism and increase revenue. He said, “We must not let our culture die. I’m glad to see young people taking part in this celebration, not just the elders.”
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