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Workers in Ondo state have described the “Most Workers’ Friendly Governor Award” conferred on Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as not politically motivated as might be perceived by some people, but as a gesture of workers appreciation for the love and commitment as demonstrated by the Government.
Speaking at this year’s May Day celebration held on Monday, May 1st, 2023 , the NLC Chairman, Comrade Victor Amoko and his TUC counterpart, Comrade Clement Fatuase said the Award was in appreciation of Governor Akeredolu’s immense contribution and unflinching support for the welfare of workers in the state.
The NLC Chairman recalled that the Governor fulfilled his promises during the celebration last year of defraying all outstanding arrears of salaries and pensions by the end of the year 2022.
Amoko observed that the long awaited consequential pension adjustment was graciously approved for Ondo State pensioners without much agitation, while approval of new retirement age for teachers in Ondo State and many more have been accomplished.
The Union, he said, 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.
While applauding the Governor for approving and ensuring the payments of arrears of gratuities owed retired staff of Owena Press PLC (The Hope Newspaper), he reminded him of the urgent need to amend the law establishing the state-owned newspaper publishing outfit to make it a corporation.
The amendment, he further explained, would enable the staff of the organisation to have fulfilling working careers.
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 workers in the state.
He observed that Mr. Governor’s performance in these areas of governance are exceptional.
He added that, “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.”.
He appealed that qualified officers be granted their promotion noting that some workers in the health sector were promoted in 2022 and are yet to receive the accrued financial benefits.
“The level of decadence in our state-owned Technical Colleges is worrisome, and am afraid it is as a result of non availability of the required organisational infrastructures such as machines, tools, equipment, and qualified teachers, among others.”
He also appealed for the implementation of the Federal Government approval of 40 percent peculiar allowance for workers.
He also raised the urgent need for a mass recruitment to cut across all sectors to meet the many vacancies due to the top heavy scenario as being witnessed in the service presently to avoid affecting expected productivity in the future.
In his remarks, Governor Akeredolu who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr Oluwadare Aragbaiye 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 to 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.” The Governor said.
