Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has approved the payment of the 13th-month salary to all state workers for the seventh consecutive year, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
The governor also announced the approval of outstanding salaries and minimum wage arrears owed to staff of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
Makinde made the announcements on Monday while inaugurating the newly constituted Governing Board of the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital at the Executive Chamber, Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan.
Addressing the gathering, Makinde explained that although he had earlier promised to settle the arrears for LAUTECH workers, bureaucratic processes delayed the implementation.
“When I came to LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, I made a promise about the issues around the minimum wage arrears. Many have asked why they haven’t received alerts. I expected implementation immediately, but they said due process must be followed.
“I am happy to report that just this morning, I signed the salary file for the December salary and the 13th-month salary. All those arrears were included,” he said.
He added that the state would once again pay the 13th-month bonus “just like we have done every year since 2019.”
Makinde also disclosed that he would meet with the Chairman of LAUTECH Governing Council, Prof. Ayodeji Omole, to address ongoing issues that have led to recurring strike actions by LAUTECH lecturers.
“I hope in the next one or two days we will be able to see what is going on,” he stated.
The governor issued a clear directive to the newly inaugurated Governing Board to “hit the ground running,” tasking them with fully revamping the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Complex in Oyo within 12 months.
“It is a special project. Even though it was not captured in the French grant, the state will take it up. By this time next year, the facility must be operational,” Makinde said, promising full government support.
Responding, the Board Chairman, Professor Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, expressed gratitude to the governor, assuring that the board would work transparently and energetically to elevate the hospital to global standards.
“We have developed a strong strategic plan for the next several years. We want to give LAUTECH Teaching Hospital a thorough face-lift and bring it up to 21st-century standards,” he said.
He revealed plans to establish an Electronic Medical Record system to align the hospital with international best practices.
The newly inaugurated Governing Board is headed by Prof. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, with Mr Aderemi Adeniyi Adediji as Secretary. Other members are Mr Olatunde Gabriel Oyelade, Dr Bello Adebayo Taiwo, Mrs Isola Agnes Bolanle, Dr Akintunde Kehinde Ayinde, Prof. Olawale Adebayo Olakulehin, Prof.Adenike Olugbenga-Bello and Dr. Oluwajoba Olayinka.
The event drew top government officials and prominent personalities, including Deputy Governor Barr. Bayo Lawal; Ayaba Mutiat Ladoja; former Deputy Governor Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Chief Judge Justice Iyabo Yerima; Hon. Saminu Gbadamosi; Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Mrs Olubunmi Oni; and Hon. Kazeem Adeniyi.
Also present were Prof. Ayodeji Omole; LAUTECH Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rasaq Rom Kalilu; Hon. Sikiru Oyedele Sanda; Prof. Temitope Alonge; labour leaders, and other stakeholders.
