The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Osun State has hailed Governor Rauf Aregbesola for prioritising workers’ welfare.
Chairman Jacob Adekomi said the governor had surpassed the expectation of workers on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with them last year.
He spoke in Osogbo when Aregbesola administered oath on nine headmasters-general and three tutors-general.
The governor presented bond certificates to retirees under the contributory pension scheme and inaugurated the ultra-modern recreation centre at the secretariat.
Adekomi said the government had lived up to workers’ demands by implementing the agreement reached with them in December.
The NLC chairman, who praised Aregbesola, said he had done well for workers, hence the confidence reposed in him by the workforce.
He said: “We are grateful for ýthe support the workforce has been enjoying since the inception of the present administration.
“It is on record that the state, under the leadership of Governor Aregbesola, has not only prioritised our welfare, but also placed ýour interest at the front burner.
“We have confidence in the present administration because it has not disappointed us. We are proud to have someone like Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as a governor, whose passion and love for workers have no measure.
“Mr Governor has surpassed the agreement we had with him through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) we signed with him to release N1 billion for the payment of pension arrears.
“Today, the state under our amiable governor has released and paid N1.6 billion for the same purpose.ý This is a feat worthy of commendation not only from the beneficiaries, but also the workforce.”
Aregbesola said the offices of headmasters-general and tutors-general were created as part of his administration’s sensitivity to the need to promote quality and functional education.
He said the initiative was aimed at providing equal opportunity for public servants to reach the peak position (permanent secretary).
The governor stressed his administration’s efforts at championing worker’s welfare, saying: “Our administration has never slacked in our responsibility to workers, despite the limited resources.
“The welfare of serving and retired public servants has always been given attention. As the economy improves, the government will release funds to pay arrears of pensions and gratuities.”
Distributing the bond certificates of N1.8 billion to retirees, Aregbesola said: “In another demonstration of our genuine concern for our retirees, we are issuing bond certificates to 171 retirees from the civil service, high school teachers and parastatals’ workers today.
“Bond certificates will also be issued to 56 retirees from the local government service and teachers in elementary and middle schools, who retired in the Contributory Pension Scheme.
“I have approved an additional N100 million to be released to the Bureau of Public Service Pension.ý The names of the beneficiaries shall be released by the Office of the Head of Service.”
Head of Service Dr. Olowogboyega Oyebade hailed the governor for creating a conducive working atmosphere for workers.