Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has extended the wage award for state workers by another three months, assuring civil servants that the transportation subsidy introduced by his administration to cushion economic hardship will also continue.
Makinde announced the extension on Friday shortly after resuming official duties at the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan, following his annual leave.
His deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, had served as Acting Governor during his absence.
Addressing civil servants and public servants who welcomed him back to office, Makinde said the decision to extend the wage award was necessitated by the prevailing economic challenges confronting workers and residents of the state.
He said his administration remained concerned about workers’ welfare, particularly amid rising costs and pressure on household incomes.
The governor also assured workers that the transportation subsidy assistance would continue as part of measures to cushion the impact of the economic situation on them.
Makinde used the occasion to highlight his administration’s adherence to constitutional provisions, particularly the transfer of power to his deputy during his absence.
He challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to adopt a similar approach whenever he is outside the country or otherwise unavailable to personally perform the functions of his office.
Makinde’s latest announcement extends the wage award at a time when workers across the country continue to push for improved welfare amid economic pressures.