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Ogun State
Governor, Gbenga Daniel yesterday called on workers to give adequate
support to his successor, Ibikunle Amosun, who will take over the
mantle of leadership on May 29.

Mr Daniel made the
request while addressing workers at the May Day Celebration held at
Moshood Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta. The governor, who was
represented by the Secretary to the State (SSG), Gbemi Onakoya noted
that though the administration of the state would soon change, the
workers must continue to display those qualities that have made the
state workforce the best in the country. “I deeply appreciate the
cooperation and support my administration enjoyed from the generality
of the work force.” He said. “The giant strides we recorded in all
facets of life have been due to the commitment of the workforce.
Without doubt, we have reciprocated their loyalty through workers
friendly policies and programmes that have made our state outstanding
in terms of workers’ welfare.” He listed some of the worker friendly
initiatives of his administration to include: the construction of a new
workers’ estate, in-service training, employment- which has led to
reduction in unemployment and poverty, regular promotion of staff and
the building of an ultra modern state secretariat to enable civil
servants work in a conducive environment.

Learn from the past

Chairman of the
Trade Union Congress (TUC), Seyi Adebanjo said one of the problems of
the out-going government is an excess of political appointees, which he
noted remain the highest in the history of the country.

“In the last
dispensation, there were too many political appointees, the highest
since Independence in 1960,” the labour leader said. “There are Special
Assistant for Billboard and Signage, special assistant for Soft-Sell
Publications, another special assistant for Television, special
assistant for Media, another special assistant for Local Government
Affairs and many others.” Mr Adebanjo said these officials earned
salaries that are higher than directors in the ministries, “whereas
there are well trained personnel in the ministries and agencies who
could handle all these jobs with minimal cost to the state.” He,
however, advised the in-coming administration to learn from the
mistakes of his predecessor.