Workers in Ondo State under the umbrella of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have conferred an Award of “Most Workers Friendly Governor of the Year”, on the state Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The NLC Chairman, Victor Amoko and his TUC counterpart, Clement Fatuase, while presenting the award to the governor at the venue of the 2023 Workers’ Day Celebration in Akure said the award was in appreciation of Governor Akeredolu’s immense contribution and unflinching support to the welfare of workers in the state.
They noted that the 2023 May Day with the theme: “Workers Rights and Socio-economic Justice”, was an occasion to celebrate and appreciate Governor Akeredolu for his genuine commitment to the welfare of workers and pensioners in the state.
BusinessDay reports that the award was received by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Dare Aragbaiye, who represented the Governor at the 2023 Workers’ Day Celebration.
“Distinguished Comrades, you will recall that at May Day last year 2022, Mr Governor promised to defray all outstanding arrears of salaries and pensions by the end of the year 2022. Today, it is no more news that Mr Governor had fulfilled the promise and had done more than expected.
“For instance, the long awaited consequential pension adjustment was graciously approved for Ondo State pensioners without much agitation, while the approval of new retirement age for teachers in Ondo State and more have been accomplished.
“Comrades, in view of all these and many more, the two Congresses, NLC and TUC have resolved to honour Mr Governor with an award. This award is not political as some people might perceive it but pure workers appreciation for show of love demonstrated towards workers by the Ondo State Governor,” the NLC chairman stressed.
In his remarks, Governor Akeredolu said the Public Service in the State has continued to enjoy a conducive working environment under his administration.
He noted that his government has put in place diverse worker-friendly programmes to ensure that workers are able to discharge their duties to the best of their abilities.
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“One of these is the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) which enables workers have access to unhindered health care in the State.
In his address, Ondo State Head of Service, Kayode Ogundele who listed various landmark programmes of the government aimed at improving the workers’ welfare, equally commended labour leaders in the state for their understanding and maturity in handling union matters.
He further assured workers that governor Akeredolu led government will continually make the interest of the state workers a priority.
