May 02, (THEWILL) – As workers across the world celebrate the 2023 International Workers’ Day, the leadership of the organised labour in Osun State, on Monday, showered praises and encomiums on Governor Ademola Adeleke, describing him as the first Governor to prioritise labour matters.
The state labour leaders took turns to list the many programmes of Governor Adeleke in favour of labour, explaining that the mass turnout at the May Day event is a confirmation of their appreciation for the Governor’s support.
The May Day celebration witnessed an impressive turnout of Osun workers at the Osogbo City Stadium, a turnout many labour leaders described as unprecedented.
Addressing the gathering and the Governor of the State at the event, the Caretaker Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Mrs Oyedele, appreciated the Governor for taking the interest of workers as a priority and first item on his agenda of governance.
Equally, the Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Adekola Adebowale, speaking on behalf of other labour leaders, said, “workers’ welfare was number one of the five cardinal agenda during the electioneering campaign of Governor Ademola Adeleke, and I want to say, without mincing words, that he has lived up to those promises.
“Within the last few months he has been on board, he has paid part of the humongous backlog of salary arrears and pension arrears owed by his predecessors. The promotion given by the past administration without financial effects has been cash backed. Your Excellency sir, we can not but continue to pray for you and to support you so that every of your good dreams for the workers and the entire citizenry would materialise.”
Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke has reaffirmed his commitment to Osun workers’ welfare.
Addressing enthusiastic and excited workers of the state, the Governor said ensuring better welfare for workers and the Osun labour force was his cardinal focal point prior to his advent in government and a pledge he has been bringing to fulfilment.
He said, “In the history of Osun State, I am unarguably the first Governor to have labour as the first item on his governance agenda.
“Since I took over in a very hostile environment, I have remained committed to the goal of workers first. You can all attest to my faithfulness in resolving inherited challenges on workers’ salaries and pensions.
“I have demonstrated good faith as a leader with a genuine love of workers at heart. You will always find in me a Governor that is responsive and open to the well-being of labour.”
Governor Adeleke, however, sympathised with the workers of the state for the harrowing experience they had with the past government and gave assurances of his administration’s resolve for a better and delightful approach to workers’ welfare in the state.
