Ekiti State Governor-elect, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his commitment to prioritise welfare of workers in the State.

The Governor- elect stated this on Tuesday during a ‘thank you’ visit to trade unions in the state to show appreciation for their support during and after his electioneering campaign. The unions visited include; Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).

Oyebanji who was accompanied by his Deputy, Chief(Mrs) Monisade Afuye, state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress ( APC), Barrister Paul Omotosho and other party leaders, expressed his appreciation to the union leaders and members for identifying with him during the June 18, governorship election.

He said, “I am standing with all humility to say thank you. I am humbled by your sacrifice and love for our party. I am extremely grateful.

“One thing I am going to assure you is that I will prioritize your welfare. Our government will continue in the trajectory of Fayemi’s administration. I am standing not as someone that has all the solutions to all problems but I am ready to listen to you”

The Governor-elect admitted that the enormous contributions of the trade unions aided his landslide victory at the poll. He promised not to betray the trust repose in him and the party.

“Your contributions made a significant difference in the result of the election. You have, with your massive votes, demonstrated the love and passion you have for our party. The only way to show our gratitude is to ensure that the trust you repose in our party is not betrayed”

Oyebanji promised to continually engage and partner with trade union members and leaders for the progress of the state. He also called on them to always find a way of reaching out to him if they notice any step taken by the administration that would not augur well for the people.

The Chairman of NLC in Ekiti State, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde on behalf of Ekiti workers congratulated the Governor-elect on his landslide victory and commended him for deeming it fit to show appreciation for the support given to him during his electioneering campaign. He extolled the good virtues of the Governor-elect and pledged the support of Ekiti workers for his administration.

“The entire members of Nigeria Labour Congress, Ekiti State Council, wish to congratulate the Governor-elect, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and Her Excellency, the Deputy Governor-elect, Chief(Mrs) Monisade Afuye on their victory in the June 18 governorship election.

“If it’s about experience, let me quickly point out that you set an astounding paradigm for everyone in Ekiti State by starting your career from the grassroot to the uppermost position. We, Ekiti workers are delighted with the right step you have taken to show appreciation for the support given to you during and after your election. This is the first time an elected Governor would deem it fit to say, ‘thank you’ for the support given to him. This act of gratitude means he is the type that does not commonise anyone”

The NLC Chairman expressed optimism that the Oyebanji led administration would take Ekiti to a greater height, adding that workers are ready to partner with his administration to move the state forward.

“When you talk about the architect of Ekiti State, he is the one. This is the Joshua that will take the people of Ekiti State to the promise land. His precedcessors are likened to the biblical Moses that had prepared the ground for him. We workers will work with you to move the state forward”

At the meeting with Trade Union Congress (T.U.C), the Chairman of Ekiti state chapter, Mr Sola Adigun said the unions were delighted at Oyebanji’s thank you tour and engagement with Ekiti stakeholders, which he described as uncommon and sign of good things to come under his administration.

“When I heard you would be coming for thank you tour, sincerely I said this is new. You have done uncommon thing. This has not happened before.

“Before now, I’m aware you have visited some places and individuals of note, within and outside Ekiti and this baffled me. It is a pointer that we are going to get it right again in our dear state. You have surprised us. We thank you for appreciating us”

Meanwhile, in a similar way, the leadership of NULGE and NUT also expressed their surprises at the visit and commended the Governor-Elect for standing firm on his promise that he would come after the election to show appreciation.