Ogun State Government has expressed its readiness to work closely with the organized labour unions and their affiliates as a strategic step towards creating an enabling environment for the well-being of workers in the state.
The State’s Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, gave the assurance while declaring open the 5th State Branch Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Ogun State Branch, held in Abeokuta.
According to him, the commitment of the government under the worker-friendly Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to promoting a mutually beneficial relationship with organized labour cannot be overemphasized, especially based on its principles of dialogue, understanding, and collaboration.
While acknowledging that their contributions to the development and advancement of the public service are invaluable, Onasanya said the combined efforts of all the labour leaders had been instrumental in advocating for the welfare of the workers and nurturing continuous improvements within the labor environment.
He urged them to continue to lend their resolute support to the policies, programs, and projects of the state government, as they are designed with the ultimate goal of enhancing the welfare of the people, thereby securing a brighter future for all.
The Head of Service said: “Revered comrades, as we continue the journey of ‘Building Our Future Together’ under the leadership of His Excellency, the Governor, your continued support and collaboration remain absolutely crucial to the successful implementation of this transformative agenda.
“The progress and prosperity of Ogun State depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders, and as key partners in this journey, your cooperation, understanding, and active participation are indispensable”, Onasanya added.
In separate goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ogun State Chapter, Comrade Akeem Lasisi, and his counterpart at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ademola Hameed-Benco, commended the leadership of the governor for demonstrating clear vision and capability in running the affairs over the last four years, especially for his steadfast dedication to the cause of the workers, as the tenure witnessed a peaceful and rancor-free atmosphere.
Specifically, the labour leaders lauded Abiodun for being a good welfarist, especially for making the payment of the new minimum wage a priority and not putting it at par with other states, thereby making Ogun State Civil Service a role model among other states’ public services in the country.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Branch Chairman of ASCSN, Comrade Isa Olude, thanked the Governor for being worker-friendly and for the numerous welfare packages, which include prompt payment of salaries and allowances, regular release of promotions to deserving officers, payment of outstanding cooperative deductions, peculiar allowances, and the implementation of the new national minimum wage in line with the Federal Government’s template for workers.
He assured that the State Public Service would continue to occupy the frontline in the discharge of statutory duties, as it would remain the leading light in the comity of states in the country and called on the Federal Government to give the current economic challenges being faced by the people urgent attention in order to make life meaningful for all.
