Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State, the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB), has donated two buses to the state chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), while calling on workers to turn out en masse and support the re-election bid of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.
The buses were presented to the labour union at a ceremony attended by Governor Oyebanji, the Ekiti State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde, labour leaders, and other stakeholders.
Speaking shortly after the presentation, Senator Bamidele described himself as a lifelong member and beneficiary of the labour movement, noting that his political and leadership journeys were largely shaped by the struggles championed by workers, students, and youths across the country.
According to him, the labour movement extends beyond workers alone, as it also embraces students and young people committed to social transformation and improved living conditions for citizens.
He recalled benefiting from labour-led campaigns for free education and academic freedom during his student days, adding that he worked closely with labour unions while serving in the student movement, particularly during the struggle to restore democratic governance in Nigeria.
“Having benefited immensely from those struggles, it is only natural for me to continue to identify with and support the labour movement,” Bamidele said.
The Senate Leader reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of workers and urged them to support Governor Oyebanji, whom he described as a performing and people-oriented leader.
Expressing confidence in the governor’s chances at the polls, Bamidele said the All Progressives Congress (APC) was not only focused on winning the election but also on ensuring massive voter turnout.
He urged eligible voters to approach the election with confidence and courage by voting for the APC, stressing that a vote for the party would guarantee the continuity of Governor Oyebanji’s developmental strides across the state.
In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji commended Senator Bamidele for his generosity and unwavering support for his administration, urging workers to reciprocate the gesture by standing firmly behind the APC-led government.
The governor said his administration had remained faithful to its promises to workers through the prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities, as well as the regular promotion of deserving civil servants.
“With what you are receiving today, you can attest to the fact that the APC is a worker-friendly party, and we will continue to sustain this momentum. We will keep partnering with relevant stakeholders to improve the welfare of our workers and put smiles on their faces,” the governor said.
He urged the labour union to make judicious use of the buses to enhance its operations and mobility, while also supporting his administration’s efforts to advance the development of Ekiti State.
“Let us continue to work together to move Ekiti to greater heights and collectively take our state to the promised land,” Oyebanji added.
