MAKINDE SWORN-IN AS OYO GOVERNOR, DONATES SALARY TO TEACHERS PENSION FUND

The Governor said there will be a staggered salary increment for workers in the State, also explaining that in the fulfillment of part of his campaign promises, he has decided to donate his salary as a Governor to Teachers Pension Fund for the betterment of Teachers in the State.

Penpushing further reports that, while speaking on minimum wage for workers, he noted that his plan is to make the State the first State to pay above the national minimum wage, as the machinery has been put in motion, adding that such a development would need time to materialize in the face of economic resources of the State.

The new Governor said he will have what he described as a ‘sincere conversation’ and arrive at the best possible decision which will put the overall interest of the people first, emphasising that the government will set up a committee to look into all cases of those who believed they have been wrongly dismissed from civil service, including those whose cases have been decided in their favour in court who have not been reinstated.

Penpushing also reports that, Makinde abolished the N3,000 annual school fees being paid in State-owned Secondary Schools across the State, noting that the biggest issue facing the State is poverty, adding that the State need money to confront poverty.

“Agriculture which is the State’s area of comparative advantage will be explored in ways that will make the farmers happier”,Makinde stated, and promised to reduce Government overheads, increase the efficiency in tax collection, simplify the tax payment system and cut down on debt accumulation without concrete repayments plans.

“The biggest issue facing the people of Oyo State is poverty. We need money to confront poverty. Oyo State needs money; we will reduce Government overheads, increase the efficiency in tax collection, simplify the tax payment system and cut down on debt accumulation without concrete repayments plans. We cannot do this without your support.”

“For example, I have always said the Oyo State civil servants deserve to earn a whole lot more for their dedication and service to the state. Recently, the Federal Government announced a new salary scheme in which the lowest cadres of civil servants are expected to earn at least N30, 000’.

“I know how access to this type of money will improve the lives of many of the families that I have had direct contact with. However, with the way the Oyo State account currently stands, I will be deceiving you if I said we are capable of taking on this burden’.

“I believe in true federalism. I believe the States should decide the minimum wage of their workforce based on individual realities. All States are not created equal, so it is against the principle of fairness to apply a blanket rule to govern them all’,Makinde noted.

“We will seek practical ways to reposition the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho. You are aware that the university is jointly owned by Osun and Oyo states. We will reach out to our sister state and share ideas on how to move the institution forward. Our priority is a total takeover.

“We will establish a Commission for people Living with Disabilities. The mandate of this parastatals will be to improve the lives of people living with disabilities. In addition, we will develop an institutional framework for enforcing compliance with our equal opportunity principle. We will encourage the private sector to hire persons with disabilities by offering them tax incentives.”

Penpushing also reports that, dignitraries at the event include, State Chief Judge,Justice Munta Abimbola,  Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Soun of Ogbmosho, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi, Representatives of Oba of Benin, former Governors, Adebayo Alao-Akala and Dr Omololu Olunloyo, Chief Bode George, Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, Chief Olu Falae and his wife.

The dignitaries also include; Prof Idowu Olayinka(Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan),  Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, Former Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, Hon Mulikat Akande Adeola, wife of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja,and  Mr Akinwale Laosun Governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), (among others.