TAIWO ADELU
Ogun State Governor-Elect, Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun, MFR, has revealed the good relationship that will exist between his administration and organised labour union in the state.
Thus was contain in the goodwill message he sent to the workers in Ogun State to celebrate the 2019 May Day on 1 May.
The message revealed what could be described as the policy thrust of his incoming administration to labour sub sector of the economy in the state. The Governor-elect emphasised in the message that his government will usher new dawn in government-labour relationship that will he beneficial to the workforce in Ogun State.
Abiodun’s message to Ogun workers read thus:
MY MAY DAY MESSAGE TO OGUN WORKERS.
I write to convey my warm felicitations and best wishes to all workers and members of the Labour movement in Ogun state on the occassion of this year’s Workers Day celebration. I am particularly happy that this year signals a positive turn around for our persevering workers as my government, starting by May 29, 2019 is poised to put workers’ welfare as a cardinal focus of our administration.
As a refresher, let me highlight here again, extracts from our manifesto that are specific to our commitment to improving the welfare of Ogun State workers.
i. Establishment of Ministry of Labour and Productivity to effectively engage workers and improve workers productivity and welfare.
ii. Appointment of teachers to apex positions to put them at par with their public servants’ counterparts.
iii. Restructuring of the contributory pension scheme and inauguration of State and Local Government Pension Boards.
iv. Empower and strengthen the Local Governments so they can carry out their statutory mandate and responsibilities effectively as constitutionally guaranteed.
v. Review and restore the roles and responsibilities of Public Service as implementation engine of government policies and programmes.
vi. Implement continuous capacity building programme and provision of conducive work environment and tools.
vii. Introduce performance-based incentives in public service.
viii. Prioritise prompt payment of salaries, remittance of global deductions and gratuities for retirees.
ix. Develop affordable Labour Estates for workers in different parts of the state.
As a show of our commitment, we shall ensure the constitution of a committee of stakeholders – including representatives of labour, government and other relevant stakeholders – to develop modalities and timelines to clear the backlog and arrears and redress past injustices. This committee will be inaugurated in the first month of our Administration. Furthermore, I will ensure that the Labour union is duly represented in our cabinet to enhance a smooth working relationship with the workers and find a lasting solution to the current challenges.
On this great day, I appeal to all workers in Ogun State to give us the appropriate support once our administration is inaugurated. Let me seize this opportunity to reiterate my belief that the civil service is the engine upon which government runs, thus I will not take anyone of you for granted. Under my watch, I shall ensure that all cadres of workers get the best attention they deserve.
Finally, I call on all workers in the Gateway state to remain calm and hopeful as they celebrate their day, knowing that my administration would be a relief from what currently obtains.
Do have a rewarding May Day celebrations.
God bless Ogun state Workers.
God bless Ogun state.
Signed:
Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun, MFR
Governor-Elect, Ogun State.