A faction within the labour movement in Osun State, the Association of Concerned Local Government Workers, on Friday organised a May Day rally where its leaders urged political heads of local government councils to show stronger commitment to workers’ welfare.
The group also instructed its members to support the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, and mobilise for his victory.
The rally, held at the Olorunda Local Government Area premises in Igbona, Osogbo, featured various groups of formal and informal workers who appeared in uniform attire and made presentations.
Members of the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) took part in a ceremonial march past, while Samuel Idowu, chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) made up of APC-elected council chairmen, took the salute at the event.
In his speech, the group’s coordinator, Adedayo Adekunle, called for an end to casualisation in government employment, describing it as “barbaric, enslaving and unattractive to the best brains.”
He stated, “It is our demand that permanent job offers should be prioritised over offering graduates casual or temporary employment.”
Adekunle further added, “Safety at the workplace is not negotiable. All that is required to ensure the safety of employees should be given adequate attention.
“Social dialogue prevents strikes, and strikes hurt us all. We advise that you listen more and act faster on workers’ demands, as the era of treating workers as servants is over. We are now partners in delivering social goods and in decisions on governance and development.”
He also declared support for the APC governorship candidate ahead of the August 15, 2026 election, saying, “After thorough assessment of the APC candidate for the August 15, 2026 governorship election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), our association has found him to be a worthy leader. We therefore direct all our members to support him to ensure his victory at the poll.”
Speaking at the event, the Osun factional ALGON chairman, Samuel Idowu, assured workers that their welfare remains a priority for local government leadership.
He said council administrations would ensure timely payment of salaries and entitlements, improved working conditions, training opportunities, and a better environment for service delivery.
Idowu also highlighted achievements recorded by APC-led councils, stating, “Since we assumed office, we have paid salary arrears owed to traditional rulers in the state.
“Each local government has empowered a minimum of 1,500 people and rehabilitated at least 30 kilometres of road network. We also procured 300 motorcycles for security agencies and additional security vehicles, which will be distributed soon. We have also intensified efforts to provide more infrastructure.”
PUNCH Online noted that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Osun State held a separate May Day celebration at another venue in Osogbo.