Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has declared that Kwara State is on a steady path towards becoming a self-reliant and prosperous state.

The Governor, who made this known at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the main bowl of the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin, called on workers across the state to remain optimistic and continue supporting his administration’s vision for a greater Kwara.

Represented by his Senior Advisor and Counselor, Alhaji Saadu Salahu, Governor AbdulRazaq reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a Kwara where workers can thrive, decent jobs are created, careers are nurtured, and all sectors are empowered to contribute meaningfully to the state’s progress.

He said: “It is with great pleasure that I join you today to celebrate Workers’ Day. I warmly welcome all labour leaders and workers across Kwara State and Nigeria. I rejoice with you on this special occasion and thank the Almighty for the gift of life that allows us to witness today,” the Governor said.

“Workers’ Day is a globally recognized occasion to honour the immense contributions of workers, men and women across public and private sectors, whose efforts drive our economy and shape the future of our society. In Kwara, we recognize and appreciate the roles of our farmers, civil servants, factory workers, teachers, healthcare personnel, engineers, artisans, and professionals across all sectors. Your dedication, resilience, and skill are the pillars of our growth and development.”

The Governor highlighted his administration’s achievements, noting that numerous developmental projects have been undertaken to reposition the state for sustainable growth.

These, he said, reflect his vision for a prosperous Kwara, characterized by economic stability, improved public services, modern infrastructure, and impactful social programs.

“Our government has maintained financial stability, ensured prompt salary payments, supported entrepreneurship, and provided social safety nets. These efforts reflect our dedication to responsible governance and sustainable development,” he said.

Governor AbdulRazaq urged workers to remain engaged as the world of work evolves, particularly with the rise of technology, automation, and artificial intelligence.

He stressed the need to embrace change, promote excellence, and prepare for the jobs of the future.

“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all workers for your resilience and the vital role you have played in our shared progress. These achievements belong to all of us. “I also commend our labour leaders for their cooperation and partnership. While disagreements may arise, we are united by our shared commitment to progress and truth”, he said.

The Governor assured workers of his administration’s unwavering commitment to their welfare, adding that his office remains open to organized labour.

“Let me reassure you once again: we are determined to build a Kwara where careers are nurtured, where jobs are plentiful, and where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the speaker of the state House of Assembly, Engr Yakubu Danladi Salihu; congratulated workers for driving development and progress of the state.

“I join the rest of the world in celebrating Nigeria’s workforce, especially those of our dear Kwara State driving development and progress. We would continue to acknowledge, appreciate, and celebrate your efforts and your immeasurable contributions as our backbone.

“On behalf of the Kwara State House of Assembly, I wish all our hard working and dedicated workers a happy May Day,” Salihu said.

In his remarks, the state NLC Chairman, Saheed Olayinka lamented the rising cost of living, housing concerns, access to health care and job security, saying that it has continued to affect the quality of life of workers.

He said the organized labour remains committed to constructive engagement and dialogue with the government to address the economic challenges confronting members of the labour movement.

The NLC chairman urged the government at all levels to initiate concrete measures to tame inflation and protect workers’ purchasing power.

He also called for economic policies that promote local industries and creat jobs, stressing the need for policies that reduce transportation costs including rehabilitation of public transport systems.

Olayinka applauded the government on prompt payment of salaries to all categories of workers in the state and local government.

He, however, appealed to the state government to consider the local government workers as permanent secretaries in the state with the belief that they possess same prerequisites like their counterparts at the state level.

The state TUC chairman, Comrade Abdulrahman Olayinka Onikijipa called on the government to provide low cost housing estate for civil servants, saying that necessary machinery be put in place to facilitate its reality.

Onikijipa also hinted that provision of 35 per cent of the salary as a subsidy allowance for state workers would go a long way in ameliorating their sufferings.

He urged the state government to, through the office of the state Head of Service, immediately implement N30,000 minimum wage percentage allowance for the state pensioners without delay.

The event had in attendance Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Engr Yakubu Danladi Salihu; state NLC Chairman, Comrade Muritala Saheed Olayinka; his TUC counterpart, Comrade Abdulrahman Olayinka Onikijipa, immediate-past Non-Executive Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Ghali; top government officials and labour leaders among others.