Makinde is God-Sent to Oyo Workers, Says NLC Chairman

Speaking in an interview with The People’s Verdict, Martins praised Makinde’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, and development, noting that his administration has demonstrated a genuine concern for the welfare of Oyo State residents.

 “To us as workers, we see him as a God-sent man. He has not failed us. He has the people at heart in everything he does, and his leadership reflects that,” Martins said.

RESTORING JUSTICE FOR WORKERS

Martins recalled that one of Makinde’s first actions in office was the reinstatement of workers who had been unjustly dismissed by previous administrations. Initially planned to cover only those affected in the last five to six years, the governor expanded the scope to include wrongful dismissals dating back 15 years, ensuring compensation or reinstatement for affected workers.

According to Martins, this decision revealed the governor’s “large heart and sense of justice.”

He further noted that Makinde resolved the long-standing issue of outstanding promotions for civil servants; a demand that had been ignored by successive governments for nearly two decades.

BALANCING SALARIES AND PROJECTS

Unlike other governors who often sidelined salary payments in favour of infrastructure projects, Martins said Makinde has successfully balanced both.

“Governor Makinde pays salaries promptly while still embarking on projects. His Midas touch is evident everywhere,” he said.

The labour leader pointed to the recruitment of 5,200 teachers and non-teaching staff in Makinde’s first term, and the employment of 15,000 teachers and 5,000 health workers in his second term as proof of his commitment to human capital development.

A LISTENING AND PEACE-LOVING GOVERNOR

Martins described Makinde as a peace-loving leader who values dialogue and maintains cordial relations with labour unions.

“Unlike what we see elsewhere, Governor Makinde has listening ears. Even when disagreements arise, he always makes efforts to resolve them amicably. There was a time we had an issue, and at the end of the meeting, he apologised to us, and we also apologised to him. That kind of humility is rare,” he explained.

RAISING THE BAR ON MINIMUM WAGE

Highlighting Makinde’s approval of N80,000 as the minimum wage for Oyo workers; higher than the N70,000 announced by the Federal Government; Martins said Oyo has now moved from 32nd place to being among the top four highest-paying states in Nigeria, despite having one of the largest workforces.

TRANSFORMING OYO WITH INFRASTRUCTURE 

Beyond workers’ welfare, Martins applauded the governor’s investment in road infrastructure, which has linked urban centres with rural communities, boosting agriculture and attracting investors to the state.

“This has given Oyo a new face and placed us as a true pacesetter,” he said.

FINAL VERDICT

Summing up his views, Comrade Martins said:

 “Governor Makinde loves the people he leads. His policies show fairness, compassion, and a commitment to progress. Truly, he is God-sent.”