By Dayo Johnson, Akure

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, has assured state workers that his administration will not resort to retrenchment despite the implementation of the new minimum wage of N73,000.

Speaking at the Ondo State Public Service Week Celebration Lecture themed, “Creating and Managing a Future-Ready Public Service: A Pathway to Sustainable Development,” Aiyedatiwa reiterated his commitment to job security for the workforce. “I want to assure you that even with the financial burden that these measures may bring, our administration will never contemplate downsizing the workforce,” he said.

The governor emphasized his administration’s dedication to the welfare of public servants, pledging the regular and prompt payment of salaries, allowances, and pensions. He added, “Annual promotions for deserving officers will continue, as well as the steady defrayment of inherited gratuities and support for the contributory healthcare scheme.”

Aiyedatiwa highlighted plans for ongoing recruitment into critical sectors to address personnel gaps, stating, “The gradual recruitment process will continue as needed to strengthen our public service.” He also stressed the importance of making the public service more proactive, innovative, and tech-driven to meet global best practices in public administration. “The capacity of institutions and their operators must be enhanced for effective and efficient service delivery, justifying the significant resources invested,” he said.

Earlier, the Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, thanked the governor for his consistent support for the welfare of public servants in the state. He acknowledged Aiyedatiwa’s efforts in ensuring regular salary payments, key appointments, and the promotion of over 5,040 civil servants in Ondo State.

The event concluded with awards of excellence presented to the University of Medical Science, Ondo, the State Civil Service Commission, and the State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme in recognition of their outstanding performance.