Leading Oyo State House of Assembly hopeful in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ibadan South West Constituency II, Olayinka Faniyi, has lauded workers in her constituency for their resilience in the face of biting economic situation, but expressed the hope that the future holds better prospect for the employers and the employees.
In a message released which she personally signed and made available to newsmen in Ibadan to mark this year’s Workers’ Day, Faniyi noted that the prevailing economic situation must also not be allowed to cause disharmony between the organised labour and the government.
Specifically addressing the labour in Ibadan South West Constituency II, the lawmaker hopeful stated that if she emerges, she will give room for labour leaders and other critical stakeholders access to her in the bid to ensure transparency.
“To the great workers in my constituency, I appreciate you.
“It is with warmness of mind that I join the rest of humanity in observing this historic day set aside to celebrate the dignity of human labour. This day is being celebrated and observed as national holiday in more than 80 countries and unofficially in many more. For all workers in Ibadan, this occasion can as well be a time to rejoice for being part of the tributaries contributing to the great ocean of socio-economic development in our state.
“Indeed, without workers, there can be no government. While it is possible in an efficient and well primed system for the government to function without the political functionaries, it is inconceivable that any government can function without workers. It is visible to the blind that workers are the greatest asset of any people. Incontrovertible is the fact that workers are the most viable instrument for ensuring a successful execution of government’s policies and programmes on education, health, transport, agriculture, and employment generation, among many others. For this and many more, we appreciate our workers.
“If I emerge as the lawmaker, I’ll make practical and concerted efforts to contribute to the restructure and modernization of the Civil Service for effective service delivery to the citizens as I am very much aware that only a modernised, well-equipped and well-motivated civil service can effectively impact the essential task of socio-economic development.
“As of habit and necessity, I’ll be very responsive and alive to the wellbeing of workers. This will be done in order to ensure that we enjoy continuous healthy relationship and all in a bid to make life more abundant for all categories of workers and citizens as well.
“I’ll contribute immensely to the adoption of higher minimum wage which I so much believe that it will come to reality.
“I have not hidden all necessary facts about the state of things from labour and I cannot but appreciate your understanding and support in this critical period. All hope is not lost, as there is a silver lining ahead.
“The current situation does not affect workers only, it affects all of us. But I am very optimistic that with your continue support and prayers, we will weather the storm.
“I wish us all a happy and fulfilling Workers Day celebration as well as rewarding service to our people. It is my prayer that God will spare our lives and when next our day comes, we will all have a better story to tell,” she said.
