May Day: Makinde applauds workers

OYO State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday, lauded both private and government workers in the state for what he called their unflinching support and contributions towards the economic growth of the state.

  Governor Makinde, while speaking at the May Day celebration, held at the the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, acknowledged the dedication and commitment of the workers, saying that the success recorded in the state in the last two years would not have been possible if not for the positive attitude of the workers.

He said: “It has been a year already. And what a year it has been? Last year, when we celebrated Workers Day, we could not gather together because we were amid a pandemic.

“This year, the situation has not really changed, yet, it has also changed in many ways. Today, we see a consistent decline in the numbers of COVID-19 infections. For this reason, we can gather for the workers’ parade with appropriate protocols in place.

“It might not be as elaborate as we wanted it to be, but we thank God that we can celebrate. We have had a rewarding year. And we have only you – the great workers of Oyo State – to thank for it.”

The governor noted that all workers, including artisans, business owners, corporate bodies and other workers operating in the state impacted positively on the steady economic growth of the state.

He stated: “We celebrate you because the economy of Oyo State is built on your efforts. “Never ever imagine that your contribution is too small. Never ever think that your efforts go unnoticed. When the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) presents its periodic scorecards, we know that our economy is thriving not just because of foreign investments but also because of our local investors.

Governor Seyi Makinde  assured workers of Oyo State of more welfare packages.

He said Nigerian workers deserve the best in terms of improved packages as they remain the engine room of governance.

He commended Oyo State workers for their dedication to duty.

Governor Makinde, who noted that the administration has been implementing policies that impact positively on civil servants in the state, added that workers in the private and informal sectors have also been touched by the massive efforts the government has put into infrastructure and other key areas.

“However, we know that not every worker in Oyo State is a civil servant. So, while we are making every effort to keep civil servants happy and more efficient at work, we are also concerned about the individuals in the private sector.

“Therefore, in the past year, we have taken all necessary steps to turn around the economic fortunes of all residents of Oyo State

Earlier, the Oyo State Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Mr Emmanuel Ogundiran and Oyo State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr Kayode Martins appealed to Nigerian workers to assist the government in curtailing the spread of COVID-19.

Highlights of the programme were presentation of awards to Governor Makinde and also to outstanding unions in the march pasts.