*Inaugurates adhoc committee on harmonisation of labour demands in Oyo State
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, on Monday, advocated homegrown solutions on issues bordering on workers’ welfare in the state.
The governor made the call, while
inaugurating an 11-member adhoc inter-ministerial committee on the harmonisation of various demands by the labour unions in Oyo State.
Governor Makinde stressed that the adhoc inter Ministerial committee headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Olanike Adeyemo should be open-minded and come up with a report on the modalities for the implementation of workers’ demands.
He maintained that his administration has been proactive in attending to the demands of labour unions and workers, a development which, he noted, has promoted a cordial relationship and helped the government to deliver several developmental projects in the state.
“In terms of the welfare of the workers in Oyo State, we have been very proactive as a state. The backlog of promotions and all sorts of arrears that we met were tackled headlong”, he said .
Gov Makinde added, “With time, we have had cooperation from the labour union leaders and that has allowed the government to function properly and to go after the developmental activities that we are trying to carry out on behalf of the people of Oyo State.”
Tasking members of the committee to demonstrate understanding and have an open mind so that the state could get a solution that is fair to all parties, the governor said as a state there are so many responsibilities but limited resources.
Speaking further the governor noted that Oyo State Government spent between N12 Billion and N16 Billion to fix the infrastructure gaps in public schools through building, rehabilitation of dilapidated structures and others, but the challenge actually requires at least N50 Billion, and that is apart from other essential sectors.
“So, please, I want to solicit for your understanding, carrying the members along. And, on behalf of the government, we must be completely open because when we find a solution that both sides are comfortable with and fair to everybody, then it is something that can be sustained. This is our state.
“On that note, I pronounce the adhoc inter-ministerial committee inaugurated and we hope we can have your report within the shortest possible time – before six weeks. If you can do it earlier, we will appreciate it.”
Oyo State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), Comrade Kayode Martins, assured that the committee would deliver mostly on the issue of wages to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy on the state’s workers in due time.
Members of the committee include; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Abiodun Aikomo, Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akinola Ojo, Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Mr Adeniyi Adebisi, Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Comrade Bayo Titilola-Sodo and Executive Assistant on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd), NLC chairman, Comrade Kayode Martins; chairmen, Trade Union Congress and Joint Negotiation Committee, Comrades Bosun Olabiyi and Olanipekun Oluwaseun, while the Director, Establishment Matters, Ministry of Establishment and Training, Mr Olusola Ojelabi, will serve as the Secretary.
