The Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has elected Comrade Olapade Ademola as the Chairman of the Congress.

Comrade (Prince) Ademola is also the State Chairman of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU).

Members of the State Executive Council (SEC) of the Congress, spanning 22 affiliate unions, made the decision at a special meeting held at the State NLC Secretariat in Alagbaka, Akure, on Thursday.

The position of the NLC Chairman became vacant last month following the retirement of the former occupant, Comrade Victor Oladele Amoko.

During the meeting, presided over by the NLC Vice Chairperson, Comrade (Mrs) Busola Adewumi, the 41 SEC members unanimously empowered Comrade Ademola to act as the Chairman of the NLC in the state, in line with Article 11 of the Congress’ Constitution.

The SEC-in-Session also approved Comrade Akin Sunday as the substantive State Secretary of the NLC.

In his acceptance speech, Comrade Ademola Olapade appreciated the determination and dedication of the SEC members in establishing leadership for the Congress. He vowed to work towards enhanced welfare packages for workers in Ondo State.

The NLC Acting Chairman commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to improving the welfare of state workers and pensioners since he assumed office.

He described the recent payment of gratuities to primary school teachers and local government workers who retired since 2012 as heartwarming.

Ademola said, “I want to appreciate the SEC members of Ondo State Nigeria Labour Congress for giving me the privilege and power to lead the Congress. I’m very happy about it, and it is a big task. I pray that Almighty God helps me to do the needful.

“Workers should expect better outcomes in terms of improved salary, pension, promotion, and training. For that reason, I want to appreciate the state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for the wage award to the tertiary institutions. The government should not relent; they should continue the payment and review the wages of the workers of Ondo State upwards, considering the economic factors.”

Ademola also called on the government to approve the labor demand for a new minimum wage for the better welfare of Nigerian workers.