…says govt, Labour Unions harmony brings industrial peace

By Adekola Afolabi & Samuel Edu

Workers in Ondo State under the umbrella of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have conferred an Award of “Most Workers’ Friendly Governor of the Year”, on the state Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

The NLC Chairman, Comrade Victor Oladele Amoko and his TUC counterpart, Comrade Clement Fatuase said the award was in appreciation of Governor Akeredolu’s immense contribution and unflinching support to the welfare of workers in the state.

They noted that the 2023 May Day with the theme: “Workers Rights and Socio-economic Justice”, was an occasion to celebrate and appreciate Governor Akeredolu for his genuine commitment to the welfare of workers and pensioners in the state.

The award was received by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr Dare Aragbaiye, who represented the Governor at the 2023 Workers’ Day Celebration.

”Distinguished Comrades, you will recall that at May Day last year 2022, Mr Governor promised to defray all outstanding arrears of salaries and pensions by the end of the year 2022. Today, it is no more news that Mr Governor had fulfilled the promise and had done more than expected.

“For instance, the long awaited consequential pension adjustment was graciously approved for Ondo State pensioners without much agitation, while the approval of new retirement age for teachers in Ondo State and more have been accomplished.

“Comrades, in view of all these and many more, the two Congresses, NLC and TUC have resolved to honour Mr Governor with an award. This award is not political as some people might perceive it but pure workers appreciation for show of love demonstrated towards workers by the Ondo State Governor”, the NLC chairman stressed.

The union leaders also gave kudos to the Governor for his leadership and proactive measure employed to arrest the ugly trend of insecurity in the state.

“We salute Mr Governor for all the measure being put in place to secure the lives and properties of the state citizenry.

“The congress applauds Mr Governor for approving and ensuring the payments of arrears of gratuities owed retired staff of Owena Press PLC (The Hope Newspaper).

“While appreciating Mr Governor, the congress wishes to remind the government of Ondo State of the urgent need to amend the law establishing the Owena Press Plc to make it a Corporation, just like the Ondo State Radio-vision Corporation (OSRC). This amendment will enable the staff of the organisation to have fulfilling working careers.

The NLC equally congratulated Governor Akeredolu for the landslide victories recorded by his party in the last general elections.

The TUC chairman, Comrade Fatuase said Governor Akeredolu’s unalloyed passion for workers welfare has fostered a good working relationship between his administration and the industrious workers in the state.

“Mr Governor, it will be on record that your performance in these areas of governance are exceptional. Your choice of Comrade Dare Aragbaiye as the Special Adviser on Union Matters is indeed a catalyst in the wheel of progress of your Government and the labour centres.

In his remarks, Governor Akeredolu said the Public Service in the State has continued to enjoy a conducive working environment under his administration.

He noted that his government has put in place diverse worker-friendly programmes to ensure that workers are able to discharge their duties to the best of their abilities.

“One of these is the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) which enables workers have access to unhindered health care in the State.

“I am aware that apart from the workers, their dependants, that is, their spouse and four children under 18 years have also been captured in the State. It is gratifying that workers are getting their promotion as and when due with financial benefits and the State Government is now up-to-date in the payment of salaries and pensions.

“It is germane to also mention that this government has demonstrated sincere commitment to programmes and activities in other sectors like agriculture, urban renewal, community development, education and transportation.

“Ondo State has become a reference point in roads and infrastructural development. We have been able to harness available resources and make decisions on behalf of the people, such that the slogan now by the citizens of the State is “Our government” and no longer “their government”.

“We have been able to prove that with the right attitude to leadership and administration, a lot can be achieved for our people. I, therefore, implore you to avail this government your continued loyalty and redouble the support we have enjoyed from you in the past couple of years so that we can continue to jointly lift our dear State to that enviable height that has been our vision since the inception of our Administration.” He said.

Governor Akeredolu also identified with the former NLC chairman in the state, Comrade Sunday Adeleye who was elected as one of the Vice Presidents of the Union during the just concluded national election of the Nigerian Labour Congress in Abuja.

“This, no doubt, attests to his leadership qualities and the confidence reposed in him by members of his constituency. Let me, therefore, congratulate the Organised Labour in Ondo State for this unique feat while wishing the congress in the State more successes in future. It is my hope that Comrade Sunday Adeleye will display at the national level the excellence for which we are known”, he added.

In his address, Ondo State Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele who listed various landmark programmes of the government aimed at improving the workers’ welfare, equally commended labour leaders in the state for their understanding and maturity in handling union matters.

He further assured workers that governor Akeredolu led government will continually make the interest of the state workers a priority.