Address Delivered By The Governor Of Ogun State, His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun CON, FCA, at the Workers’ Day Celebration

Protocols,
In the past four decades, the Federal Government and Government in the States of the Federation have continually joined the rest of the world to respond to the call, yearning and aspiration of Mr. Peter J. McGuire, a carpenter and union leader who, precisely in 1882; made history by championing the noble cause for workers’ celebration.  For us in Ogun State, the history of Civil Service in Nigeria cannot be complete without reference to the exploits of great sons and daughters of Ogun State such as Chief Simeon Adebo, Chief A.A.K.  Degun and a host of others who have distinguished themselves as labour heroes and laid the solid foundation bequeathed to us and the generations to come to improve upon.
2. Our dear State has, therefore, always been looking forward to this special day to amongst others; appreciate our past and present crop of workers who have been the driving force of our “Mission to Rebuild”. While the day will equally afford us the opportunity to appreciate the founding fathers of the State’s Civil/ Public Service, the entire labour force expectedly sees today as a day to reflect over their stewardship particularly, the challenges in the course of discharging their selfless service and continued pursuit of general improvement in the working conditions; condition of service, perquisites and other sundry packages that would not only enhance their efficiency and effectiveness, but also productivity.
3. Let me, therefore, join others to specially congratulate and welcome the entire workforce of our dear State; members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC); the Trade Union Congress (TUC); and, all other distinguished personalities here present to another Workers’ Day Anniversary. Similarly, I commend our workers and all those who, in one way or another, have continued to play a pivotal role in the entrenchment of good governance and supporting our pursuit to develop a system-driven workforce.
4. Our Administration has, as a matter of deliberate policy from inception, striven for transparency and utmost sincerity in its relationship with workers and their leaders. The financial fortunes as well as challenges confronting Government are never hidden. We appreciate the maturity of Labour Leaders in their appreciation of our open-door policy and friendly disposition to workers welfare. Since 2011, we have successfully built a mutual and symbiotic relationship such that today, we are much more united by our mutual recognition of the inter-locking destinies of government and workers. Every administration requires supportive workers to succeed and workers need a friendly government to be happy.
5. We have ensured that salaries are paid against the odds of uncertain and fluctuating Federal Allocations. Neither have we neglected our Senior Citizens in their vulnerable years. Pensions continue to be paid without fail. All these, despite the fact that Ogun State has one of the largest work-force among the States of the Federation and probably the best salary scale.
6. Distinguished workers of our dear State, let me reiterate that our Administration will never take you for granted nor refuse to continue to attend to your welfare. Let me assure you that your promotion, as and when due as well as other benefits have always engaged our attention.
7. To keep afloat, we have had to take measures occasionally out of survival instinct that may not be entirely popular but certainly reasonable within the context of our financial circumstances. I want to assure you that even such circumstances, few as they are, are always under constant review for more favourable options. In fact, our desire to finish strong, finish well and finish high will be a mirage if our workforce, who have been the reason behind our successes, are left in the lurch.
8. We are not unmindful of the heavy pressure for additional staff for our Health-care and Teaching Service in particular, as well as outstanding promotion of serving officers. Without being reminded, we know substantial deductions and gratuities remain to be paid. We are ever sensitive to these liabilities and will remain honest with our Labour Leaders about the state of finances of Government in addressing this subject.
9. Even as we contend with contemporary challenges, we must prepare even the more for the future. Survival of the strongest is no longer an expression for the animal kingdom alone. Therefore, towards ensuring that the Civil/Public Service in our dear State does not only remain one of the best in Nigeria but compete favourably with their counterparts in any part of the world, we have facilitated the need to reform and improve on our services.  You will quite agree with me that to optimize our efficiency and service delivery continually, we must look at ways to position our Public Service in line with the best global practices. Reforms are not an end on their own, but they are processes of aligning systems and institutions of Government with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With globalization of the world economy, even in our own side of the world, we must strive for the best. This is what Ogun Standard demands of each and every one of us. Both in policy and service delivery, indeed every aspect of governance, we must bench-mark ourselves against global best practices – and probably a step further to beat the competition.
10. That reality dawned on us earlier and our Administration is already taking practical steps in that direction. We realized the need for the Public Service to be constantly stimulated for this purpose. With the kind assistance of the United Kingdom Department for Foreign and International Development (DFID) and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission in the last few months, we have taken decisive irreversible steps in this direction. The Public Service Transformation Office has been opened, its Steering Committee is in place and the Director General appointed. It is a tribute to the quality of our Civil Service that even external agencies saddled with the task of head-hunting for that position considered one of our Directors worthy of that key position.
11. It is worthy to note that our Civil and Public servants have been major contributors to all the successes we have recorded in different sectors of the economy namely: Education, Health; Housing; Urban Renewal; Infrastructural Development; Agricultural Revolution, Employment Generation; Security etc. In fact, you have not only been partners in progress but dependable ally that any Administration would wish to work with. Let me say that we are very proud of our workers for consistently demonstrating professionalism, accountability, responsiveness, high ethical standards and enviable values. It is, therefore, not a misnomer to say that the Ogun State Civil/Public Service is one of the best organized, most disciplined and task-oriented workforce in Nigeria of today.
12. In the same vein, our “Mission to Rebuild” our dear State has been made easier by the co-operation, prayers and unflinching support you have all demonstrated. Your dedication, professionalism and selfless service in the performance of your duties and the sustenance of the glory of our dear State in particular, and Nigeria, as a whole, are invaluable. I urge you to keep the flag flying and continue to tread the path of honour, recognition and greatness. As I have said earlier, as a Government and Administration in Ogun State, we will continue to implement people-friendly policies, decisions and other welfare programmes that will better the lot of our work force.
13. Let me seize this opportunity to state that, as the electioneering is fast approaching, I urge you not to downplay the provisions of the Public Service Rule and other extant laws. As law-abiding citizens, continue to exercise your Civic rights and duties in line with the provisions of Constitution and purge yourselves of fifth columnists whose only mission is to lead us on the path of ignominy and unnecessary confrontation. I admonish our Civil Servants to leave politics to politicians alone. To do otherwise is not always tidy nor pleasant. As a major player in the economy, we all know that industrial harmony can only take place in an atmosphere of peace, cooperation and understanding. It is, therefore, important that all of us as stakeholders should continue to work together and play our parts in our ‘Mission to Re-build’ Ogun State. While craving for more understanding, loyalty and cooperation, we equally assure you that, you will never be disappointed and left out in our resolve to spread round the dividends of democracy to all segments of the society.
14. Let me also note that we are back in the season of Minimum Wage negotiation. Employers can only pay according to their ability – Ability is dependent on Workers’ productivity. Productivity flows from capacity. It is clearly simple logic that capacity development is the fundamental platform for Workers’ reward and general welfare. Any other approach is putting the cart before the horse. A higher Minimum Wage without corresponding fiscal capacity of the employer remains an academic exercise. It is my wish that the energy and passion that fuel the agitation for Minimum Wage could be channelled into productivity matters of capacity development.
15. Herein lies the all-important relevance of the theme for this year’s celebration, “Labour Movement in National Development: Dare to struggle, dare to win”. It is a strident call that we must all obey. All parties must be part of the struggle to break free of the vicious cycle of poverty. By demonstrating commitment, dedication and perseverance in the struggle, victory is assured; Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta. The quality of labour must improve to win in this struggle.
16. Beyond the march-past and other traditional ceremonials of the Workers’ Day, I request of each and every one of us a genuine commitment to do our very best, and strive to the utmost, that the most popular prayer in our Nation may be answered in our own time:
“Oh! God of Creation
Direct our noble cause
Guide our Leaders right
Help our youth the truth to know
In love and honesty to grow
And living just and true
Great lofty heights attained
To build a Nation where peace
And justice reign”
17. Chairman, Trade Union Congress, Chairman NLC, Chairman JNC, beloved Comrades, respected Labour Leaders and Veterans, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I congratulate you on the occasion of Year 2018 Workers’ Day. May we have more of this, with happier testimonies, to share in our lives.
18. I thank you all for listening and God bless.
Senator Ibikunle Amosun CON, FCA
Governor of Ogun State, Nigeria
Tuesday,1st May, 2018.