• Sanwo-Olu laments workers celebrating amid economic challenges, downturn
• Oyebanji sympathises with workers over fuel scarcity, warns hoarders
• Aiyedatiwa assures Ondo workers of transparent governance, better welfare
• CAPPA seeks reinstatement of sacked LSWC workers

In a bid to ensure that dividends of democracy cut across the 20 local councils of Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun has commissioned 20 lock-up shops and 28 open stalls at Sayedero Market in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Council of the state.

Abiodun, who was represented during the commissioning by the state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, said his administration was poised to embark on laudable projects that would enhance the socio-economic development of the people.

In his remarks, Salami appreciated the governor for his unflinching support towards the completion of the projects, saying that the shops and stalls would boost commercial activities within the area, as well as increase the economic growth of Ilaro and its environs.

ALSO, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, lamented that the 2024 Workers’ Day being celebrated across the country is marked amid economic challenges.

Sanwo-Olu, while speaking at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium where workers and other stakeholders had gathered to celebrate Workers’ Day, said that it was with immense pride and gratitude that he joined all hard-working, committed, dedicated, resilient, and passionate workers in Lagos State to celebrate this year’s May Day.

Also, at the Onikan Stadium, Sanwo-Olu praised Nigerians for exhibiting remarkable resilience despite economic hardship and difficulties. He encouraged the workers to understand the importance of standing together in solidarity and supporting one another through these difficult times.

HOWEVER, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has saluted the workers and general masses on the May Day celebration. In a statement by its Media and Communication Officer, Robert Egbe, the group urged Lagos State Government to rethink the dismissal of 391 permanent staff of the Lagos Water Corporation (LSWC).

According to the statement, despite the numerous contributions of Nigerian workers to national development, the harsh economic realities that define their social and living conditions continue to undermine their job security and devastate the communities they serve.

Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, noted that the working class, the backbone of the economy, was facing diminishing returns on their labour, saying: “CAPPA vehemently rejects claims by Lagos State government that the dismissals were due to redundancy and substantial financial difficulties facing the corporation.”

Ogun State governor said his administration would do all in its power to come up with a decision on the new minimum wage. He said that a meeting with labour leaders in the state would be held with a view to arriving at a decision that is favourable to both the government and the workers.

Abiodun noted that the state government had paid N2.8 billion as leave bonuses to workers for 2023 and January-March 2024. He also said that N13.4 billion outstanding deductions had been paid to workers.

In his remarks, the Minister of Labour and Employment Barrister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, represented by the state controller, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Nnambi Enuah restated the commitment of the present administration to continue to pursue policies and programmes that prioritizes the rights of workers in the country.

Also, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has sympathised with the workers, assuring that the government would work relentlessly to attract more supplies of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the state o cushion the current harrowing experience being felt by citizens.

The governor assured workers in the state that his government won’t dash their hope on the impending new minimum wage, saying he will act appropriately when the ongoing discussion is finalised at the federal level.

He gave the assurance, yesterday, while addressing workers at a rally marking the May Day celebration held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital.

In their submissions, the state’s Chairmen of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Sola Adigun and his counterpart in the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kolapo Olatunde, praised the governor for exhibiting enormous respect for workers and providing grounds for them to operate.

Similarly, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has assured workers in the state that his administration will not only operate with open and transparent governance, but workers’ welfare will be of utmost priority.

Aiyedatiwa, who expressed delight in celebrating his first Workers’ Day as the governor of the state, emphasised the importance of the event ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.