By: Omolara Osindele and Tunde Olayiwola

The leadership and members of the Organised Labour in Ogun State have been commended for their cooperation, collaboration and support to the State Government, while all efforts must be geared towards enhancing the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the State.

The State Head of Service, Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun, gave the commendation while declaring open a 2-day leadership retreat (harmattan course), with the theme: "Empowering Leadership: Building a Strong Future for Workers" put together by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ogun State Council, held at the Council Secretariat Hall, Leme, Abeokuta.

According to him, all hands must be on deck to enhance the capacity of the State by generating more revenue, which will in turn better the lots of the workers and the generality of the people of the State.

While reiterating the efforts of the State government to boost workers' welfare to include, conduct and release of 5 promotions in 4 years, constant training and retraining initiatives for all cadres, appointment of Permanent Secretaries as and when due, unprecedented payment of peculiar allowance, palliative packages, release of CNG bus to workers, amongst others, the Head of Service solicited for more understanding and support from the labour leaders as government would continue to meet their demands within available resources.

"I enjoin you to block leakages and stop wastages at your spheres of influence and I solicit your continued support towards the continued successful implemention of the 'Building Our Future Together' agenda of the present administration" the HoS said.

Mr. Fagbohun enjoined the participants to take advantage of the retreat to upscale their skills and enhance their knowledge for efficiency and effectiveness, as the training is meant to bond, explore new frontiers, rejuvenate, encourage one another, collaborate, and enhance learning and development of themselves and their members.

On his part, the lead facilitator, the President, the Nigerian Workforce Strategy and Enlightenment Centre (NIWOSEC), Dr. David Ehindero, appreciated the State government for its support to the organised labour and submitted that collaborative approach to labour unionism to foster oneness and to address the challenges facing labour unions with the aim of solving them is the in-thing, which is being enjoyed in the State.

He said upholding excellence in activities to advance the welfare of the workers, to enhance the spirit of empowerment and leadership to build the workforce are part of the retreat and urged participants to concentrate for utmost results.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, Ogun State Council of the NLC, Comrade Ademola Hameed- Benco, while appreciating the governor, whom he described as labour friendly and compassionate, said the the retreat was to strengthen leadership capacity, as well as leadership development, labour strategic planning, industrial relations planning and policy advocacy and engagement, as leadership is not exacting powers but empowering others.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to the Governor of the State, Prince Dapo Abiodun for his outstanding contributions to labour matters, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi for his exemplary leadership and the Head of Service, Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun for being a legacy builder.

In attendance was the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Service Matters, Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Oladipupo Ogunfowora, and all the directors from the Bureau.