Governors Ademola Adeleke of Osun and Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara have pledged their commitments to workers’ welfare, saying it was the right thing 

During the Workers’ Day celebrations held at Osogbo township stadium on Monday, Mr Adeleke said to address poverty and underdevelopment in society, public servants must be accorded better treatment.

He said a happy public service would automatically translate into a booming economy.

“There is a strong link between the formal and informal workforce in Osun State.

“When the formal workforce, the public servants, are cared for, the informal sector fares better.

“A very happy public service translates into a booming local economy across the state,” he said.

The governor also said his administration would continue to be committed to workers’ welfare.

“Since I took over under a very hostile environment, I have remained committed to that goal of workers first.

“You can all attest to my faithfulness in resolving inherited challenges on workers’ salaries and pensions,” he said.

On his part, Mr AbdulRazaq of Kwara renewed his commitment to prioritising workers’ welfare in the state.

Mr Abdulrazaq described workers as key to any development and growth in any given society.

“I assure you, we will continue to prioritise workers’ welfare and also create a friendly environment for collective growth.

“Workers deserve the best, and this administration will not let you down. This administration is your own, and it will always be your own,” he said.

Mr Abdulrazaq said his agenda focused on infrastructure renewal, ease of doing business, and expansion of the economic base through support for micro- and macro-economic activities.

The state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Muritala Saheed-Olayinka, commended the state government on the prompt payment of salaries, and regular promotion of workers at all levels, ensuring security and provision of a harmonious and conducive environment for the citizenry.

Mr Saheed-Olayinka, however, called on the governor to ensure payment of accumulated outstanding gratuities at both pension boards and adequate provision of funds for the boards to offset gratuities.

He also called for the payment of teachers’ special allowance of 27.5 per cent to some SUBEB teachers who are eminently qualified for it.

(NAN)