By Tola Gbadamosi

The Chairman of Ose Local Government Area, Barrister Clement Kola Ojo, has stressed the crucial role of workers in driving national development, describing them as the “engine room” of governance whose efforts are vital for the successful implementation of policies.

He made this assertion at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade Ground in Akure, the venue of the 2025 May Day celebration.

Ojo, while speaking at the event, highlighted that workers are the backbone of any administration, emphasising that their role is fundamental to the execution of government policies.

“Workers are responsible for carrying out and implementing government policies. Politicians only make the policies, while it is the workers who bring them to fruition.

“Their importance to the social, cultural, and economic development of any nation cannot be overemphasised,” he noted.

Acknowledging the global nature of economic challenges, the Ose LG chairman urged workers to be prudent and adapt by living within their means.

“In this period of inflation, everyone is affected – workers, politicians, and the public alike. We must support government efforts to bring inflation under control, and workers play a key role in implementing the policies that will make this possible,” he said.

The Ose LG chairman also acknowledged the importance of labour unions, noting their critical role in protecting workers’ welfare and maintaining economic stability.

“Labour unions play an important part in ensuring the welfare of workers. This is why the government ensures the prompt payment of salaries and regularly reviews workers’ welfare packages,” Ojo added.

On his part, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ondo State, Comrade Ademola Olapade, expressed gratitude to God and the state government for enabling the celebration of Workers’ Day.

He said: “I want to thank God for this occasion and also appreciate the state government for making it possible to celebrate.”

His message to the workers was simple: “Let us continue to pursue peace. We are all affected by the ongoing economic hardship, but we must remain hopeful and look to God for better days ahead.”

Comrade Olapade also expressed optimism that both the federal and state governments would soon introduce measures to alleviate the hardships workers face. He also commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his swift response to workers’ concerns.

“We are fortunate in Ondo State. We are among the first states to start receiving the new minimum wage.

“Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa truly lives up to his name,” the NLC Chairman said.

He further urged workers to remain diligent, faithful, and committed in their duties, adding that cooperation with the government was key to achieving mutual progress.

“For a better life, we must work hard, remain faithful, and ensure that we cooperate with the government so that we are all on the same page,” he said.

In conclusion, Comrade Olapade appealed for continued harmony between organised labour and the state government, which he said is essential for lasting peace and progress in Ondo State.

“Let us maintain the harmonious relationship between labour and government in Ondo State. It is vital for lasting peace,” he concluded.