News

By Abimbola Bamgbose

Since assuming office in 2019, the current administration in Ogun State has disbursed a total of N179.7 billion in pensions and gratuities to retirees at both the state and local government levels.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, who made this known while speaking during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration at the Cultural Centre in Kuto, Abeokuta, said the backlog of pensions from 2012 to 2017, as well as remittances under the National Housing Scheme, has been cleared to enhance workers’ access to mortgage facilities.

To further support workers’ aspirations for home ownership, Governor Abiodun announced the acquisition of 350 hectares of land at Ijemo/Onisẹla for development under the Sites and Services Scheme.

The estate, to be named Prince Dapo Abiodun Bureaucrats Estate, will be equipped with basic infrastructure such as roads, water, and electricity, allowing workers to build affordable homes through mortgage financing.

The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in revitalising the national economy, noting that recent federal reforms have begun to reduce inflation and ease the cost of living.

Governor Abiodun praised the collaboration between the state government and the labour union, saying it has positioned Ogun State as a hub of innovation and economic development.

He urged the workforce to continue their dedication, stressing that the government remains committed to addressing economic challenges and providing infrastructure across the state.

Describing workers as the engine of socio-economic progress, he lauded their role in maintaining industrial harmony and contributing to Ogun’s development.

In his goodwill message, the Federal Controller of Labour in Ogun State, Mr. Andy Egbor, commended workers for their contributions to national growth and praised Ogun State’s labour-friendly policies as a model for other states.

Mr Egbor also called for enhanced collaboration between the state and federal governments to improve workers’ welfare.

Similarly, the Ogun State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr. Hameed Benco, highlighted the effects of economic hardship on job security and called on government at all levels to provide low-cost housing, interest-free loans, and establish a market price regulation board to ease the burden on workers.

The Trade Union Congress, TUC, Chairman, Comrade Akeem Lasisi, described the Workers’ Day celebration as a continued struggle for improved welfare.

Mr Lasisi also urged the government to urgently tackle insecurity and intensify economic relief efforts.

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Economy

Ekiti State Government has again slashed the salaries of political office holders and accounting officers for three months as a result of shortfall in the federal allocation to the state.

Also government has suspended the payment of consequential adjustment for workers from Grade level 7 and above which commenced in January 2021 for same three months.

This followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, on the agreement reached between representatives of government and labour leaders’ state administrative council on the state finances.

Under the M.O.U, running grant to government offices on monthly basis has been reduced while the economic review committee would henceforth meet monthly to keep labour abreast of the financial position of the state.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the signing of the document, the Ekiti State Head of Service, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, commended the labour leaders for their sacrifice and expressed optimism that the state would successfully navigate through the period of financial challenges.

She promised that government would adhere strictly to the terms of the agreement reached with the labour leaders to ensure industrial harmony in the state.

The Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council, Mr. Kayode Fatomiluyi, appreciated government for reducing the salaries of appointees and its efforts that would not lead to retrenchment of workers.

Mr. Fatomiluyi noted that the unfortunate situation has directly affected the living standard of workers hence the need for government to keep to its promise.

The chairman, Trade Union Congress, TUC, Mr Sola Adigun who read the M.O.U said it was agreed that government would not downsize the workforce as a result of financial challenges facing the state.

He added: “The labour leadership believes in dialogue and subjecting itself to arguments logically and scientifically and bowing to superior argument. We urge the government to adhere strictly to this agreement.”

Governor Kayode Fayemi had approved the reduction in salaries of political office holders in April 2020 at the peak of COVID-19 pandemic in a bid to ensure continuous payment of workers’ salaries amidst economic challenges posed by the public health situation.

Tope Bamidele

Economy

Governor Seyi Makinde has assured workers of Oyo State of more welfare packages.

Governor Makinde made this known at the commemoration of Workers Day held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

He said Nigerian workers deserve the best in terms of improved packages as they remain the engine room of governance.

He commended Oyo State workers for their dedication to duty.

Earlier, the Oyo State Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Mr Emmanuel Ogundiran and Oyo State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr Kayode Martins appealed to Nigerian workers to assist the government in curtailing the spread of COVID 19.

Highlights of the programme were presentation of awards to Governor Seyi Makinde and also to outstanding Unions in the March Pasts.

Olaolu Fawole

 

Politics

The organized labour in Ogun State has urged the state government to begin the process of clearing the outstanding promotion exercise for its workforce.

The State Chairman, Trade Union Congress, TUC, Mr Akeem Lasisi made the plea at the Arcade Ground, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, when workers in the state organised a rally to express their joy over the payment of new minimum wage in the state.

Our Correspondent, Bolanle Adesida has the details.

Speaking at the event, the State chairman of TUC, Mr Akeem Lasisi urged the state government to meet other demands of workers, including deductions, contributory pension, and state health insurance scheme.

Also, the Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council, JNC, Mr Olarewaju Folorunso, appreciated the governor for ensuring the implementation of the new minimum wage for workers.

In a remark, the State Head of Service, Alhaja Salmot Ottun gave the assurance that the entire workforce would continue to render effective service delivery for the overall development of the state.

Responding, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun who said his administration would continue  to give priority to the welfare of workers, said plans were on to procure staff buses for the workers.

While urging the civil servants to continue to use their vast experience to add value to government’s policies and programmes, Governor Abiodun stressed the need for them to be more dedicated and diligent in their duties.

Some of the workers who spoke with Radio Nigeria said the reflection of the new minimum wage on their October salary was a pleasant experience. 

They promised to reciprocate the gesture with increased productivity and solicited the continued support of the government. 

Bolanle Adesida

Economy

Workers in the employ of Ogun State Government have complied with the stay-at-home directives of the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, in the state.

Offices at the State Secretariat were deserted while labour union leaders were at the entrances of the State Secretariat to ensure compliance by the workers.

Correspondent Wale Oluokun monitored the situation in Abeokuta. 

His report.

Yoruba

Egbe awon Osise TUC, ti kesi ijoba apapo lati san ajele ose marun owo-osu titun lati ojo kejidinlogun osu kerin odun 2019, lakoko ti Aare Muhammadu Buhari fowosi owo osu titun naa.

Ijoba ati awon egbe osise fenu oro koo lori owo osu titun ohun lojo eti tokoja, leyin ojo okoodinigbalemeji t’Aare Muhamadu Buhari fowo saba naa.

Ninu atejade kan, tegbe awon osise ohun ti ro ijoba lati mu ileri re gbogbo lori owo osu titun naa se.

Nigba to ndupe lowo awon adari egbe osise, atawon torokan, ni egbe awon osise naa so fawon olugbanisise wipe ilese yoowu toba san owo todin si owo osu titun naa yo je fifiya je.

Oluwayemisi Dada\Kemi Ogunkola