As the curtain rises on 2025, the Osun State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) extends warm greetings to all workers, pensioners, and citizens of the State of the Living Spring.
In a heartfelt message, the Chairman of the Osun NLC, Comrade (Dr.) Christopher Abimbola Arapasopo, reflected on the triumphs of the past year, expressed gratitude for collective achievements, and reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for workers’ welfare.
Comrade Arapasopo emphasized the significance of the New Year as a time to celebrate unity, perseverance, and the collective progress of Osun workers.
“The challenges of survival we have faced as a people must not hold us down; instead, they must strengthen our resolve to build a better future together,” he stated.
He acknowledged the support and dedication of workers and pensioners in driving the state’s development and encouraged everyone to foster stronger bonds in both their professional and personal lives.
Reflecting on the landmark implementation of the new minimum wage in Osun State, Comrade Arapasopo expressed deep gratitude to members of the Minimum Wage Consequential Adjustments Committee, the Labour Movement, and all stakeholders.
“My appreciation goes to the Labour Movement, workers, and pensioners for the collective effort that made this achievement possible. Your inputs, advice, and dedication have ensured that our state stands as a reference point for others in Nigeria,” he said.
He also commended Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to workers’ welfare.
Highlighting the governor’s accomplishments, Comrade Arapasopo noted:
1. Regular payment of full salaries.
2. Continuous payment of outstanding salary arrears and cooperative deductions.
3. Regular gratuity and pension payments to retirees.
4. Annual increments and promotions.
5. Approved work leave to ease workers’ burdens.
6. Free Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS) for pensioners.
7. Implementation of the N75,554.28 minimum wage for workers and N25,000.00 across the board for pensioners.
“These achievements have positioned Osun State as a model of governance, inspiring many states in Nigeria,” he added.
Comrade Arapasopo also extended his gratitude to the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, for his leadership as chairman of the Minimum Wage Consequential Adjustments Committee, and to the Head of Service, Comrade Samuel A. Aina, for his steadfast support during negotiations.
The NLC Chairman urged workers to reciprocate the governor’s goodwill by demonstrating unwavering commitment to excellence in the civil service. “We must work diligently to ensure a high standard of professionalism, creating a legacy for future generations,” he said.
Reassuring workers of his unwavering dedication, Comrade Arapasopo pledged to continue advocating for policies that strengthen the union and improve workers’ lives.
“I will not relinquish my mandate to serve the workers, no matter the challenges. Together, we will build a stronger, more united Labour Movement,” he affirmed.
As 2025 unfolds, Comrade Arapasopo called for unity and solidarity among workers, emphasizing the collective strength that underpins progress. He concluded by wishing all workers, pensioners, and citizens a prosperous, peaceful, and purposeful New Year.
HERE IS THE FULL STATEMENT
FOR OUR UNION MAKES US STRONGER
1. New Year Greetings
It’s a time to cherish the memories of the past years, embrace the lessons they taught us, and welcome the opportunities that lie ahead. The arrival of 2025 brings with it fresh beginnings and endless possibilities, making it the perfect occasion to connect with loved ones and share heartfelt messages of love, hope, and joy.
In a world that is often busy and fast-paced, the New Year offers a rare opportunity to pause and appreciate the people who matter most in our lives. Whether it’s to family, friends, colleagues, or acquaintances, sending thoughtful New Year wishes and messages is a timeless tradition that fosters goodwill and strengthens bonds.
As we step into the year 2025, the Osun State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress extends warm New Year greetings to every worker and citizen across the State of the Living Spring.The challenges of survival we have faced as a people must not hold us down, rather they must help us find inner strength to build a collective resolve to drive our State forward.
*2. National Minimum Wage Domestication in Osun State*
My appreciation goes to all members of the Labour side of the Minimum Wage Consequential Adjustments Committee, the Labour Movement in the State, entire Workers and Pensioners for the successes recorded. This significant milestone is a testament to the State Council’s unwavering commitment to promoting harmonious industrial relations and advancing the interests of our members which are our primary constituencies. This landmark successes wouldn’t have been recorded if not for all your inputs, pieces of advice, time and resources that you made available when convenient and when not. A big salute goes to you all.
I cannot but doff my hat for our amiable, industrious and quintessential Governor, *His Excellency Senator (Dr) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke*. Indeed, you have shown dynamism, focus, efficiency and candour in the way you have piloted the affairs of our dear state so far. Your purposeful leadership, steadfastness, ingenuity and genuine commitment to the workers and pensioners in Osun State have made this administration a model and a reference point in the country.
Your gracious approval of N75,554.28 as the new minimum wage of workers, N25,000.00 across board for Pensioners and a good Salary Tables for all categories of Workers in Osun State have made us the talking point of many States in Nigeria wishing to have a salary table like us.
Highlight of some of Mr Governor achievements include;
1. Regular Payment of full Salary to date
2. Regular Payment of gratuity and pension to retirees
3. Continuous payment of outstanding salary Arrears
4. Full payment of outstanding cooperative deductions
5. Regular promotion
6. Regular Payment of annual increment
7. Approved work leave to ease the plight of workers
8. Free OHIS for all Oun State Pensioners
9. Payment of standard Minimum Wage to Osun State Workers and Pensioners etc….
Your Excellency sir, rest assured that Osun Workers and Pensioners will continue to give you the required support to enable your administration succeed till you leave office as the Executive Governor of Osun State in Year 2030.
Appreciation also goes to the Chief of Staff to Mr Governor, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye who was the Chairman of the Minimum Wage Consequential Adjustments Committee. Your passion for the wellbeing and welfare of Osun State workers was the driving force to the success we achieved together sir.
My profound gratitude also goes to the workers dependable Head of Service, Comrade Gentleman Samuel A. Aina who played a fatherly role to the Workers and Pensioners during the negotiation.
3. Osun Workers and Pensioners
I enjoin all workers to repay the goodwill of Mr Governor by putting in their best at work and ensuring high standard practices for the civil service that the future generations can be proud of.
4. My Promise
I promise that I’ll not relinquish my mandate of serving the workers come what may. I also pledge to continue showing understanding and support in advocating for issues that would make our unions stronger.
Wishing you all a prosperous, peaceful, and purposeful 2025!
Solidarity Forever
Comrade (Dr) Christopher Abimbola Arapasopo
Chairman, NLC Osun State
