Workers in Osun State greeted state Governor Adegboyega Oyetola after the yuletide break with a grand display of pomp and circumstance yesterday morning.
They praised the governor’s contributions to the state’s civil service’s growth and development, as evidenced by the governor’s prioritization of their welfare and well-being since taking office.
This comes as Oyetola presented outstanding workers with cars and other star prizes provided by the state government in recognition of their commitment and dedication to duty, praising their unwavering support, cooperation, and understanding.
Workers greeted the governor at the state government secretariat’s main gate with solidarity songs and a funfair to show their appreciation for his dedication to the state workforce.
Workers led by the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Jacob Adekomi, and the Head of Service, Dr. Festus Olowogboyega Oyebade, walked with the governor from the gate to the Governor’s Office parking lot, where the annual inter-religious prayer session to mark the first work day and usher in the new year was held.
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The ecstatic workers were seen waving pro-government banners that read, among other things, “Osun Workers Say Thank You,” “We Are Solidly Behind You and Your Administration,” and “Thank You for Being There for Us.”
The state chairman of the NLC, Adekomi, spoke at the prayer session and attributed the governor’s rousing welcome to his continued support for the workers since taking office.
According to Adekomi, who described Oyetola as the best helmsman and astute manager of human and material resources, the gains made by the state workforce under his watch are unquantifiable.
“First and foremost, we give God glory for sparing our lives up to this point, because who are we if not for God?” he said. We are very happy today as workers because the governor has been very sympathetic to our plight. He’s been paying attention to protests and demands.
“As you can see, another innovation has come our way today in the form of the governor donating cars to some employees, the first of its kind in the state’s history since its inception.”
“In addition, the governor has approved worker car refurbishment loans.” This is something we’ve been agitating for for a long time. He has given the civil service a makeover, and he has also approved our 10,000 hectares of land for the construction of over 180 housing units for state workers, to name a few achievements.”
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In his remarks, the governor referred to the state workforce as the brains behind his administration’s success story, describing their labor, passion, discipline, and conviction as the wings on which the administration flies in carrying out its sacred mandate.
He urged them to make a commitment to do better, to increase their individual and collective productivity, and to recommit to the Omoluabi ethos.
Oyetola described the year 2021 as one in which the state made significant achievements that improved people’s lives and put them on a more secure footing for long-term economic development.
He added that the previous year had also brought the citizens closer to their desired destination of an Osun that is completely prosperous and a source of pride for all.
The governor stated that his administration has kept his election promise of prioritizing the welfare of workers and ensuring that they are fairly compensated for their valuable contributions.
Oyetola urged residents to maintain the state’s reputation for peace, religious tolerance, and harmonious relationships.
In separate lectures, Taofeek Abdulhammed, Chief Imam of the Federal Polytechnic in Ede, and Bishop Amos Ogunrinde, state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), admonished the people to always put God first in everything they do.
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The clerics, who advocated for peaceful coexistence, urged people to view their positions, powers, and other worldly possessions as ephemeral, reminding them that the day of accountability and stewardship before God is approaching.
Mrs. Adeosun Francisca Adebola, a Public Health nurse; Adepoju Rasak Daramola, a Ministry of Works employee; Mrs. Abiola Grace Aduke, a Primary School teacher; Mr. Adeyemo Isiaka Adeoye, a Secondary School teacher; OSBC reporter, Mr. Yemi Aboderin, and many others were among the car recipients.
