Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has commended the leadership of organized labour in the State for sustaining industrial peace and harmony, which, according to him, has enhanced economic growth and development in the past 35 months of his administration.
Governor Oyebanji, gave the commendation in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the newly inaugurated executive members of the Women’s Wing of the Congress.
The Governor noted that the understanding and cooperative spirit of labour unions in the state have provided a conducive atmosphere for the Government to implement people-oriented policies, stressing that without peace, the administration’s stride would not have been possible.
While noting that no investor would put resources in a volatile environment, the Governor said the peaceful disposition of the workers in the state has not only boosted the Government’s development drive, but has also positioned Ekiti as a preferred destination for investors.
Governor Oyebanji further explained that the union leaders have shown greater understanding for his administration because of its openness, transparency and accountability, stressing that he does not hide anything from them. In spite of this, he said he does not take their support and cooperation for granted.
The Governor said: “let me thank the labour in the state for the peaceful atmosphere, it is because you have allowed peace that we are able to achieve all these things. If you have been fighting me, calling for strike, shutting down institutions, even investors will not come to the State but the State has being peaceful, one of the safest in the country.”
While congratulating the newly inaugurated Chairperson of the Ekiti State Chapter of NLC Women’s Wing of the Ekiti State Nigeria Labour Congress, Mrs Bade Gboyega and other executive members, the Governor assured them that his government would support them to achieve success in their new assignment.
The Governor also assured the workers in the state that brighter days are ahead, stressing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms are already producing positive results which will soon translate into improved welfare and greater opportunities for Ekiti people and the country at large.
“One thing I know very well is that between now and by the time we complete this tenure, most of the outstanding issues would have been addressed. We are going to get to a point very soon where we will have more than enough because the President reforms are beginning to yield fruit and I know that it can only get better”. The Governor asserted.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of NLC, Ekiti State Chapter, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde, said workers in the state are pleased with the Governor’s leadership style and assured the Governor that the workforce will continue to stand by him, stressing that workers’ loyalty would not only be demonstrated through cooperation in service but also at the polls when the time comes.
Also in her remarks, the new Chairperson of the Women’s Wing of the NLC, Comrade (Mrs) Bade Gboyega, hailed the Governor for creating a conducive environment where women can contribute meaningfully to governance and the development of the State.
She assured the Governor that women’s wing of the union would stand firmly with the Governor, stressing that the women folks in the workforce are grateful for his inclusive policies and recognition of their role in the State’s progress. She added that women across the labour movement will work tirelessly to mobilize support for the Governor, promising that their voices and votes will be a strong force for continuity in the forthcoming election
Also at the meeting were, Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Director General Community Communication, Mrs Mary Oso Omotoso, Senior Special Assistant on Labour Matters, Comrade Faromiluyi, among others.
