Information Minister advocates setting up special fund for families of fallen labour, social movement activists

Abuja (Information Minister’s Press Crew Report) – The Minister of Information,   Labaran Maku has advocated the establishment of a special fund to cater to the families of fallen activists in the labour and social movements, who have dedicated their lives to the struggle for democracy, freedom and the welfare of Nigerian citizens. 

Labaran Maku made the call recently in Abuja at the presentation of a book on the biography of the Late Olaitan Oyerinde (Comrade), who was the Deputy General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in his lifetime and was murdered in cold blood on May 4, 2012, while serving as the Principal Private Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole (Comrade).

The Minister said that the fund when established would routinely direct the means of supporting the economic and social well-being of the families of fallen activists as a mark of honour and appreciation for the sacrifices they make to improve the governance of society.   “If we have a standing fund for fallen comrades, it means that as workers we will contribute; as public servants we will contribute and as business people we will contribute according to our capacities. It will then become possible for the foundation to reach out to the children of our fallen comrades,” he said.

“I have discovered that it is not easy for you to remember when you act as an individual because you are always overwhelmed by the daily pressures of the work you do. But if there is a movement or an organisation that will constantly remind us because it is their duty to do so, then all of us can always make contributions for those who have fallen, because this is our duty. It’s our responsibility to do so.”  

The Minister attributed the return of democracy to Nigeria in 1999 to the struggle and sacrifices of the social activists rather than the partisan politicians; adding that the nation owes the fallen activists a duty to ensure that their families live comfortably. He further explained that after the annulment of the June 12 election, the people who made it impossible for the military to stay were not the politicians. He revealed that it was those Nigerians, who were not members of registered political parties that said the game must end and aroused Nigerians.

He paid tribute to the Late Olaitan Oyerinde for his struggle against Apartheid and settler-colonialism in Southern Africa as well as the campaign for liberal democracy against communism since the university days.

According to the Minister, the democracy which the Late Olaitan Oyerinde and others fought for is now delivering results in different sectors of the economy under President Goodluck Jonathan. He also noted that this is evident from the revival of railways services to provide alternative and affordable means of transportation. Adding, the reforms in the power sector and the construction of ten new power plants as well as  massive roads construction and the establishment of thirteen universities in three years among others are some of them.

In his address of welcome, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Abdulwahid Omar (Comrade) condemned the assassination of Olaitan Oyerinde and vowed that the labour movement would not rest until justice is delivered in the case. He intensified that the NLC has immortalised the deceased by naming the Conference Hall at the Labour House in Abuja after him.

The Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole represented by the State Commissioner for Establishment and Special Duties, Didi Adodo in his remarks praised the Late Olaitan Oyerinde for his invaluable service to the labour movement and the Edo State Government, saying this is in-spite of the fact that he hailed from Osun State.

Several political and labour leaders took turns to pay tribute to the Late Olaitan Oyerinde on the occasion.