Osun workers union faction holds May Day rally
Osun State Labour Faction Holds May Day Rally, Advocates for Workers’ Rights
Osogbo, Osun State — A faction of the labour movement in Osun State marked May Day with a rally on Friday, calling on local government leaders to prioritize the welfare of workers.
The gathering was organized by the Association of Concerned Local Government Workers, which expressed support for Bola Oyebamiji, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The event took place at the Olorunda Local Government Council secretariat in Igbona, Osogbo, where workers from various sectors assembled in uniformed groups.
During the rally, Samuel Idowu, a factional chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Osun, received the salute from the parade participants.
In his speech, coordinator Adedayo Adekunle called for an end to the casualization of workers within government positions.
“It is our demand that permanent job offers should be prioritized over offering graduates casual or temporary employment,” Adekunle stated. He characterized casualization as “barbaric, enslaving, and unattractive to the best brains.”
Adekunle also highlighted the necessity of workplace safety, asserting, “Safety at the workplace is not negotiable. All that is required to ensure the safety of employees should be given adequate attention.”
He emphasized that improved communication between employers and workers could mitigate industrial disputes. “Social dialogue prevents strikes, and strikes hurt us all. We advise that you listen more and act faster on workers’ demands,” he urged.
Regarding the upcoming governorship election, Adekunle noted that the group had assessed the APC candidate and deemed him suitable for leadership. “After thorough assessment of the APC candidate… our association has found him to be a worthy leader. We therefore direct all our members to support him,” he stated.
Addressing the crowd, Idowu assured attendees that local government administrations remain committed to worker welfare. He indicated that council chairmen would prioritize timely salary payments, enhanced working conditions, and capacity development.
“Since we assumed office, we have paid salary arrears owed to traditional rulers in the state,” Idowu reported, adding that local governments had also initiated empowerment schemes and infrastructure projects, including road rehabilitation and support for security agencies.
The rally included participants from both the formal and informal sectors, with representatives making presentations throughout the event. Members of the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) also participated in a ceremonial march.
In a separate May Day celebration, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) held their own event at Fakunle Government Comprehensive High School in Osogbo.
