We’ll continue to prioritize workers welfare in Oyo state— Makinde

*We’ll continue to prioritize workers welfare in Oyo state— Makinde

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Governor of Oyo state, ‘Seyi Makinde’, has reiterated that his government will continue to prioritize workers welfare in the state.

He noted that labour remains an important element in any policy, programme and project propagated for state development.

The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, stated this on Wednesday at the Year 2024 May Day celebration held at Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasigba, Ibadan.

He said this year’s celebration is significant in a number of ways. First, it is coming at a time when the nation is experiencing some form of economic challenges resulting from removal of subsidy on petroleum products.

Barr. Lawal noted that the resultant effect of this is inflation and general increase in prices of goods and services stressing that In Oyo State, the State Government under the able leadership of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde has been very responsive and active on welfare of workers.

While congratulating the workers on the 2024 year celebration themed, ‘People First’, the Deputy Governor appreciated the workers cooperation with Oyo government reassuring that the government will do everything to make them happier than they are.

He added that the Oyo state government is waiting for the conclusion on the ongoing negotiation between the administration and the various labour unions on minimum wage for implementation.

The Deputy Governor however urged the workers on more level of productivity to continue to deliver dividends of democracy to the good people of Oyo state, stating that, “to whom much is given, much is inspected.”

He said: “In line with the theme of this Year’s May Day celebration – People First, the State Government put the People at the heart of its policies and programmes. Specifically, the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAFER) programme of the State Government is aimed at welfare of the general populace with distribution of food relief to over 200,000 poorest of the poor households and provision of health insurance to 100,000 vulnerable households as well as financial support of Nibillion to youth agropreneurs and small businesses.

“Distinguished workers of Oyo State, please permit me to inform this gathering on some of the steps taken by the Government to prioritise and improve the welfare of workers in the State. These include among others: Free Bus Service System for Civil Servants to ease their transportation to and from job; Wage award of N25,000 for twelve months to cushion the effect of subsidy removal across board. Retired civil servants were also granted monthly award of N15,000 per pensioner.

“I want to assure you all that as soon as negotiation is concluded with the labour unions on the minimum wage, the State will not delay action on implementation of consequential adjustment of the minimum wage.

“The State Government will not fail on its promise to ensure prompt payment of salaries on or before the 25 of every month (GSM Day); Payment of 13th month salaries;Prompt payment of pensions on or before the 25 of every month; Regular disbursement of both car and housing loans to the tune of N750,000.00 and N3,000,000.00 respectively; and Regular conduct of staff promotion exercise. The year 2022 Promotion Exercise for eligible workers in the State has been concluded.

“On this note, I want to charge the workers to reciprocate the good gesture of the ate Government by being more dedicated and committed. Remember that to hom much is given much is expected. You should work tirelessly and vigorously for the pay you earn and the Almighty God shall reward you.

“Great Oyo State Workers, I wish to commend the State Labour force for ensuring conducive atmosphere devoid of incessant industrial actions which allows for peace and development of our dear State. I request your continual cooperation and understanding as partners in progress.

“Let us use this May Day to celebrate the workers in Oyo State. I want to assure you that working together; this Administration shall protect workers right and promote incentives for improved productivity for the overall prosperity of our workers and dear State. I wish you all happy May Day Celebration. Thank you and God bless.”

Earlier in their separate remarks, the State Chairman, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Com. Olatubosun Olabiyi and the State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Com. Kayode Martins, respectively, said the present State government led by His Excellency Engineer Abiodun Oluseyi Makinde had from day one shown his people first tendencies by making sure that the salaries of the state workers is paid on or before 25 of every month since he came into office almost 5 years now.

They commended the Governor for his several laudable projects that have been commissioned in the state in the last one year including the Agodi Gate Airport Road, the Challenge Odo Ona Elewe Apata road, the ongoing Circular Road, The resurfacing of many road within Ibadan metropolis and several others in OkeOgun, Oyo and Ogbomoso and many others too numerous to list.

The duo however urged Governor Makinde to keep prioritizing workers welfare and should not relent in his drive in strengthening the security architecture of the state.

The event was attended by Oyo government functionaries including the chief Judge of Oyo state, Justice Iyabo Subulade Yerima; Secretary to the State Government, Olanike Adeyemo; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni mni; Commissioners as well as Engr. Jubril Dotun Sanusi, the father of the day and host of others.