Workers’ Day: Sanwo-Olu Promises Better Welfare
“Despite the heavy rain, workers in various labour unions participated in the event to celebrate Workers’ Day. Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, expressed appreciation for workers’ dedication, emphasizing the need to value, empower, and reward them. He described Workers’ Day as a moment for reflection and renewed commitment to building a thriving Lagos and Nigeria.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said that the theme for this year’s celebration which is “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship”, is apt, as it serves as a powerful call to action and a ralling point for all.
At the event, the unions requested for several measures to address the rising cost of food items, improve rail network at affordable cost and access to energy supply.
He disclosed that his administration had adopted all the requests presented to him at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan stadium in Lagos.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who extended his warm greetings to the workers, also expressed happiness that Lagos state has once again honour its workforce this year.
He told workers that next year’s event would be held at Teslim Balogun stadium in Surulere, which has more space than Onikan stadium.
He recalled that last year, Lagos state made a lot of promises that it will continue to take the lead in the public service of Nigeria.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed happiness to come back and report that throughout the negotiations that led to minimum wage, Lagos state kept the promise as the largest and highest paying state as at today
He noted that the shower of rain is a confirmation that even heaven is happy with Lagos state.
He promised to adopt all the speech made by the chairman of Lagos State Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Sessi. He adopted her speech and promised that all agreement contained in the speech would be done accordingly. In addition to this, he also adopted the speech made by Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Gbenga Ekundayo, and promised to implement all the things contained in the speech.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, further said his administration was set to deliver a bigger and more committed public service, that is robust, that is working for all, while ensuring that Lagos state will give to workers what can really take them home, he promised to support the welfare of workers with the leadership that are already working with them.
He acknowledged the leadership of the union, whom he described as men of honour, men of integrity, and men who knows the interest of the public service, who knows that the interest of the Union is paramount.
At the event, the state commissioner for Establishment and Training, Hon. Afolabi Ayantayo, and the Head of service Mr Bode Agoro, lauded Lagos state workers for their dedication and highlighted various initiatives by Sanwo-Olu administration to improve staff welfare and provide a conducive work environment
Beside this, Ayantayo said this included prompt approval and payment of the new minimum wage of N85,000, approval of harmonized salary structure and payment of 13 month salary, while assuring that government was poised to recommit itself to ideal of dialogue in enhancing welfare of workers in the state.
He commended Governor Sanwo-Olu, for numerous things he has done for workers in Lagos state, adding that most of his counterparts across the country could not do what he has done. He equally greeted workers in the state for their dedication, while urging them to continue in their stride.
The state chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Agnes Funmilayo Sessi, who expressed appreciation to what the governor had done to move the state forward, also thanked him for prompt approval of the N85,000 minimum wage and payment of the arrears.
The Labour leader, who noted that some agencies and parastatals were yet to implement the payment, also urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to intervene and ensure that the matter is quickly resolved.
In addressing the economic hardship, Sessi said the development had taken its toll on workers, as prices of food items had gone up, while calling on the governor to look for more measures to address the issue.
In his address, the state chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Gbenga Ekundayo, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu on the new minimum wage and infrastructural development in the state, especially on transportation, while calling for comprehensive rail network system that would cut across the state.
Ekundayo, further noted that there is need for the state government to form synergy with the Federal Government and Ogun State on rail network to ease movement of people at affordable cost.
He therefore called on the government to intervene and address the growing cost of food items and reduce high cost of energy.
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