As the world marks Workers Days, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo has commended the Labour Unions in the state for adding value to governance, consistently defending and improving the political, economic and the social rights of the people of Oyo State.

He gave the commendation during this year’s Workers Day held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba,Ibadan.

Governor Makinde who was represented by the Secretary to the state government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun said his administration recognized the sacrifices, and contribution of all the workers of Oyo State in the face of the difficulties and challenges posed by the present economic situation in the country.

The governor while emphasizing the roles of workers to policies implementation enumerated programmes employed by his government to make life better for them such as prompt payment of salaries,provision of buses to convey workers, training and re-training of civil servants in the state.

He therefore urged the Oyo state civil servants to desist from all forms of misconduct ranging from truancy, lateness to work, disloyalty to the government, embezzlement, and other improper conducts.

He said”Let me also state that as we are moving to the electioneering period, it is essential for all workers to eschew all forms of political participation thereby upholding the principles and ethics of the civil service.

“It is worthy of note that we release a total sum of Four Hundred and Eighty Million Naira (N480,000,00.00) monthly for payment of gratuities to Local Government, Primary School and State Retirees”

“On 28th May 2021, this administration delivered Nine Brand New Buses for conveyance of workers to and from their places of work at no cost. In order to make it stress free for the Department administering the vehicles, we had to increase the amount of fuel given to these buses from 80litres per week to 200litres per week. It was our belief that this would enable the buses cover more routes and thereby convey more workers”.

“Let me also add that government has listened to some of the complaints coming from workers on the operation of the Pacesetter buses. We have therefore decided to add two additional buses to join the Olodo and Egbeda routes. This is as a result of the need to effectively serve the huge population of workers on those routes. Besides, the bus plying Ojoo route will now extend to Moniya, while the one on Challenge route will now get to New Garage.

“Training and development must be built into it on all levels, training, and development that never stop.” This administration believes that the Civil/Public Service is the engine room of any government. Therefore, the success of the government depends on the vibrancy of the Civil/Public Service that helps in the execution and implementation of policies”.

“Let me place on record that the state government has trained over Twenty Thousand Workers across the state in different areas specially to support the Four (4) cardinal programmes of this administration. This has been bearing fruits as many workers are seen to have been more dedicated and effective in the performance of their duties”.

“In order to have more capable hands in some segments in the Civil/Public Service we recruited Six Hundred and Ninety-Two (692) Education Officers to man the affairs of such Schools under the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology”

In a remark,Oyo state chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress,Kayode Martins while commending the state government for its various programmes on welfarism of workers urged the government to support the autonomy of Local government.

Iyabo Adebisi