Gov Makinde sets job creation record, LAWAN honours him

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

Governor Seyi Makinde has been hailed as a trailblazer in job creation and workers’ welfare, as the Labour Writers Association of Nigeria, LAWAN, honoured him with a prestigious award recognising his exceptional contributions to labour development and poverty alleviation in Oyo State.

The honour was formally presented during LAWAN’s 2025 Annual Workshop and Award Ceremony held in Ibadan, where the Association praised the governor for policies that have transformed the state’s workforce and improved the livelihoods of thousands.

LAWAN Chairman, Toba Agboola, said the award was conferred on the governor in appreciation of his sustained commitment to workers’ empowerment and his outstanding performance in Labour-related matters.

He described Makinde as a leader whose people-centric policies have raised the bar in governance.

Receiving the award on behalf of the governor, Chief Press Secretary, Pastor Suleiman Olarenwaju, expressed gratitude to the Association, saying the recognition was both “befitting and timely.” According to him: “Makinde’s leadership has significantly impacted workers across the state, boosting morale and enhancing productivity.

“Makinde’s uncommon thirst for service has endeared him to all and sundry. No governor in the history of Oyo State holds a candle to Makinde with respect to job creation.”

He highlighted a long list of recruitment initiatives under the governor’s administration, beginning with the employment of 5,000 secondary school teachers during Makinde’s first term. To date, the administration has created over 20,000 jobs across various sectors.

In 2024, the government recruited 500 officers into the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) and 561 Amotekun operatives to strengthen internal security. The State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) also engaged 5,600 primary school teachers and 80 caregivers to improve staffing at the Basic Education level.

The Education sector received further reinforcement through the governor’s approval for the recruitment of 7,500 additional teachers and 3,000 non-teaching staff for secondary schools.

The Health sector likewise witnessed a historic boost, with the recruitment of 3,933 workers into Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), along with specialised hires including consultants, doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists, nurses, laboratory scientists and other health professionals.

In the Civil Service, 791 individuals were appointed to fill critical vacancies, while 1,591 local government ad-hoc staff were converted to permanent employees—an unprecedented step applauded by Labour groups.

Agboola noted that Makinde’s deliberate and people-focused programmes have placed Oyo State on a new pedestal of labour excellence, making him a benchmark for other governors.

With the latest recognition from LAWAN, Makinde’s position as a champion of workers’ welfare appears firmly cemented, reinforcing his reputation as a leader committed to creating opportunities and improving the lives of the people of Oyo State.

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