Despite the scarcity of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Ibadan metroplis, Capital City of Oyo State, workers in the states as well as other labour unions in their hundreds clad in various attires to celebrate this year’s Workers May Day.
Oyo state Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde in his speech at the event promised continuous protection of workers’ right for improved productivity in order to achieve the overall prosperity for the state at large.
Speaking at the annual event of the Workers’ May Day celebration held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex Adamasingba, Ibadan, Engr Seyi Makinde who was ably represented by the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal stressed that this year’s celebration is significant because is coming at a time when the nation is experiencing some form of economic challenges resulting from removal of subsidy on petroleum products.
He noted that every first day of May of every year is used to commemorate the efforts of all the heroes past who had fought for the workers of all nations to have a voice in determining the course and direction of both national and international issues affecting the state of their being.
He said, “Without doubt, labour remains an important element in any policy, programme and project propagated for state development. This year’s celebration is significant in a number of ways. First, it is coming at a time when the nation is experiencing some form of economic challenges resulting from removal of subsidy on petroleum products.”
“The resultant effect of this is inflation and general increase in prices of goods and services. In Oyo State, the State Government under the able leadership of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde has been very responsive and active on welfare of workers.”
“In line with the theme of this Year’s May Day celebration People First, the State Government put the People at the heart of its policies and programmes. Specifically, the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAFER) programme of the State Government is aimed at welfare of the general populace with distribution of food relief to over 200,000 poorest of the poor households and provision of health insurance to 100,000 vulnerable households as well as financial support of N1billion to youth agropreneurs and small businesses.”
“Distinguished workers of Oyo State, please permit me to inform this gathering on some of the steps taken by the Government to prioritise and improve the welfare of workers in the State. These include among others, Free Bus Service System for Civil Servants to ease their transportation to and from job, Wage award of N25,000 for twelve months to cushion the effect of subsidy removal across board. Retired civil servants were also granted monthly award of N15,000 per pensioner, I want to assure you all that as soon as negotiation is concluded with the labour unions on the minimum wage, the State will not delay action on implementation of consequential adjustment of the minimum wage.”
“The State Government will not fail on its promise to ensure prompt payment of salaries on or before the 25th of every month (GSM Day), Payment of 13th month salaries,Prompt payment of pensions on or before the 25th of every month, Regular disbursement of both car and housing loans to the tune of N750,000.00 and N3,000,000.00 respectively, Regular conduct of staff promotion exercise. The year 2022 Promotion Exercise for eligible workers in the State has been.” Makinde said.
While charging the workers on need to reciprocate the government’s commitment to their wellbeing, Governor Makinde said, “I want to charge the workers to reciprocate the good gesture of the State Government by being more dedicated and committed. Remember that to whom much is given much is expected. You should work tirelessly and vigorously for the pay you earn and the Almighty God shall reward you.”
“Great Oyo State Workers, I wish to commend the State Labour force for ensuring conducive atmosphere devoid of incessant industrial actions which allows for peace and development of our dear State. I request your continual cooperation and understanding as partners in progress, Let us use this was May Day to celebrate the workers in Oyo State. I want to assure you that working together; this Administration shall protect workers right and promote incentives for improved productivity for the overall prosperity of our workers and dear State. I wish you all happy May Day Celebration.” He said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress Of Nigeria (TUC) Oyo State Council, Comrade Bosun Olabiyi-Agoro stressed that the theme of this year’s celebration tagged “People First” should be critically evaluated.
He noted that Nigeria and Oyo state have every right to be prioritized in at least the basic things that support our lives and that will empower us to live and not just merely existing.
He said, “In Oyo state, we can be proud of the present State government as led by His Excellency Engineer Abiodun Oluseyi Makinde who has from day one shown his people first tendencies by making sure that the salaries of Oyo state workers is paid on or before 25th of every month since he came into office almost 5 years now. Before we all thought this was an impossible task. We all appreciate this.”
In his address,The Chairman Nigeria Labour Congress, Oyo State Chapter, Comrade Kayode Martin called on the Ad-hoc committee set-up by the state government on minimum wage and on Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) to see into the plight of all the affiliated members of the Labour Union across the state.
The event was attended by traditional rulers, top government officials, among others. Part of the highlights of the event include march pass by formal and informal sectors of the workers in the state. Members of the Nigerian Union Of Local Government Employees (NULGE) emerged overall best in the formal sector category, while members of the Nigerian Union of Tailor (NUT) emerged overall best in the informal sector.