In Soweto; In Africa!

In Africa; In Soweto!

Aluta Continua! Victoria Aserta!

Today’s event marks the third anniversary of our government’s celebration of Workers day in the State. I can say with all confidence that our chief development and growth partners, since May 29, 2015 have been the hardworking, understanding and cooperative workers in both the Public and Private sectors of the State.

It is on record that we have never, since the inception of this administration, had any dispute with the organized labour and I will be the first to admit that the Labour Unions in Lagos State have been most responsible and while, at the same time, being dogged in their advocacy for the promotion of the interests of workers in Lagos State, both in the public and private sector groups.

In proof of the maturity and responsibility of the labour unions in our State, the organised labour has consistently met with members of our administration under different fora designed to identify and address possible areas of tension and disagreement before they fester into open conflicts. This approach has resulted in an unprecedented three-year period of uninterrupted industrial harmony and peace in Lagos State. For this, I most sincerely commend the labour unions in Lagos State.

It therefore gives me exceptional joy to join in the celebration of this year’s Workers’ Day. You will note that I have referred to workers in Lagos State as my development and growth partners. I make this statement deliberately as our administration has recently embarked on a drive to promote the ‘Growth Mind-set’ campaign and initiative throughout the Lagos State Public Service.

I therefore call on all of you to support this campaign as it will result in the exponential growth and productivity of our public service.

Our administration remains passionate and committed to handling and resolving all issues affecting the welfare, service entitlements, and infrastructural development for all workers in the State. It is on record that we have never defaulted in meeting our commitment to workers under the Contributory Pension Scheme and have always prioritised the payment of workers’ salaries and emoluments in addition to improving the welfare package of workers across the board.

Ladies and Gentlemen and Distinguished Comrades, the theme of this year Workers’ Day celebration, “Labour Movement in National Development: Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win” is not only apt but also timely. As our nation now moves towards another election year, it is imperative for the labour movement to see itself as a constructive partner of the government in ensuring peace and harmony in our society before, during, and after the conduct of the forthcoming general elections.

Furthermore, the labour movement should not only enquire after what workers can get from the government but also what workers can further contribute to support the government in making a difference in the lives of the people.

There will always be is a place for agitations and struggle and it is a fact that only those who dare struggle may win. Yet, these agitations and struggles must be focused on realistic and reasonable goals that are pursued in the appreciation of the competing interests that government has to continually balance.

We have continued to partner with the Leaders of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and we will continue to consider all the requests of Labour as we work together for the peace, progress and prosperity of all workers in Lagos State, all Lagosians and our State.

In the light of the foregoing, I urge the organised labour to continue to show understanding while rightly insisting on the due and just entitlements of their members. I also call on all the stakeholders in the management of our economy to redouble their efforts and continue to explore innovative means of addressing the economic challenges in our nation in order to make life easier and more comfortable for the Nigerian workers who are the development and growth partners of the government.

Once again, I wholeheartedly congratulate all our workers on this glorious May Day celebrations.

Itesiwaju ipinle Eko l’o je wal’ogun.