Public servants in Osun State on Thursday held a solidarity rally at the State Secretariat, Abere, in honour of Governor Ademola Adeleke, commending his empathy and commitment to workers’ welfare since assuming office.
The rally, which also marked the governor’s return from a short vacation abroad, was led by the Head of Service, Elder Samuel Ayanleye Aina.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Osun, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, reaffirmed workers’ endorsement of Governor Adeleke for a second term, describing his administration as a “workers’ government.”
“We assemble here to thank you for all you do for workers. You are one of us, a leader who cares deeply for us. Let the whole world know that Osun workers remain firmly behind our Governor now and all the time,” he said to loud applause.
The State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Bimbo Fasasi, echoed the NLC’s position, stressing that the governor’s consistency in addressing workers’ needs justified their support. “We reject any attempt to drag Osun back to the evil past. We are out in show of force to affirm our backing for Mr Governor. See us in our thousands,” he declared.
Also speaking, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Kehinde Ogungbangbe, condemned alleged moves to alter local government account signatories with partisan figures. He insisted that such actions were illegal and praised Adeleke for ensuring continuous payment of workers’ salaries despite financial challenges.
The Joint Negotiation Committee (JNC) Chairman, Comrade Lekan Adediran, aligned with other union leaders, stressing that “Osun workers are united in their endorsement of Governor Adeleke for a second term.”
Head of Service Aina, who mobilised the rally, lauded the governor for prioritising workers’ welfare and delivering democratic dividends across ministries and agencies.
Responding to the show of solidarity, Governor Adeleke described the rally as a “manifestation of true love and endorsement by Osun workers.”
“I am overwhelmed by your show of love since I took over in 2022. I reaffirm my support for workers’ welfare, the first item on my five-point agenda. Expect more goodies and services,” Adeleke said, urging workers to collect their voter cards and mobilise for continuity of “responsive leadership and democratic dividends.”
