(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/TUC_Logo.jpg) Over forty Trade Unions and artisans recently in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital trooped out in their large numbers to partake in the annual march past commemorating the 2013 Worker's Day Celebration at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
The State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi who took the salute at the march past said his administration would do everything humanly possible to make life more abundant for the workers in the State.
Addressing the workers, the State's Chief Executive enjoined them to always embrace dialogue in resolving whatever differences they may have with his government. As part of his administration resolve to make life more abundant for the workers, he said the Oyo State Government under his administration would ensure the provision of low-cost housing units for the workers, provide more buses for easy transportation of workers in the state, restore running cost grant to teachers in public schools and prompt payment of their salaries and other entitlements as at when due.
He also assured registered artisans in the state of enhanced welfare packages and enabling working environment. "Registered artisans and market men and women will be given loan without interest for their businesses."
Delivering the joint address of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the State's Chairman of the NLC, Dr. Bashiru Olarewaju advised all levels of Governments in the Country to be more proactive on problematic issues such as insecurity, unemployment and corruption. He stated that the State's Civil Servants will continue to assist the Government on its transformation agenda. Some former Labour leaders who spoke at the event called on both Government and Civil Servants to always ensure a smooth and friendly working relationship.
In an interview with our officer shortly after the rally, the South West Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Pensioner, Mr. Olusegun Abatan advised workers to start preparing for retirement on the first day they got their appointment letters.
Mr. Abatan who expressed his concern on the suffering of some retired civil servants, said those presently in service should plan ahead to avoid similar experience in future.
A one-time National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Lanre Ogundipe while commenting on hardship been faced by some journalists in the Country today called on leadership of the Union to forward a bill to the National Assembly on the need for improvement of journalists welfare.
The Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Ibadan Branch, Mr. Oluseun Abimbola advised both the Government and Labour Unions to explore other means of resolving their differences instead of allowing such to degenerate into industrial action that could affect the Nation's economy.
The Chairman of Oyo State Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association, Comrade salmon Oladiti enjoined workers not to live extravagant life style while in service in order to have a glorious retirement.
To mark this year's May Day which coincides with Nigeria's 100 years of nationhood, various activities which include march past, lectures and rallies among others were organized by different labour unions to sensitize their members on the importance of the day.
Via: Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria