Strike: Activities at standstill in Osun public schools, LG secretariats

Activities at local government secretariats, public schools, primary healthcare centres, and other government offices in Osun State came to a halt on Monday due to a sympathy strike organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Osun State Council. The strike was initiated in response to the withholding of local government funds.

According to a statement issued on Sunday and jointly signed by NLC State Chairman Christopher Arapasopo and Secretary Victor Amusan, the three-day strike aims to show solidarity with local government councils and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Osun State chapter.

A visit to local government secretariats in Osogbo and Olorunda revealed that workers were gathered in groups, discussing the situation. Many expressed their compliance with the directives from both the NLC and NULGE.

Bashiru Olalekan, one of the workers, stated that he felt compelled to participate in the strike. “We received a circular from NULGE and directive from NLC to begin the strike today for three days. We are obeying the call, but we cannot sit at home doing nothing. That is why you see us around,” he said.

Olalekan also urged the Federal Government to take action to resolve the financial impasse affecting local governments. Another employee, Catherine Amusan, echoed support for the strike and emphasized the growing challenges faced by local government administrations in the state. “Local government administration is moribund in Osun State. We were managing the system, but the withholding of funds by the Federal Government has stalled development at the grassroots level. You can see for yourself—schools and primary healthcare centres are closed,” she commented.

In light of the strike, all public primary and secondary schools in the state have been closed. Students were observed at home, and visits to schools in the state capital, Osogbo, revealed locked gates and empty compounds. Schools inspected included the School of Science, Osogbo Grammar School, Saint Charles Grammar School, Saint James Grammar School, Baptist High School, Christ African School, and Laro Grammar School, among others.

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