.. calls for Improved Welfare Package for Workers
Eminent personalities from various fields, as well as labour union leaders across the country, converged on Tuesday at the Tim Obani Hall of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, for the Second Annual Public Lecture of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) of the college.
The College Provost, Dr. Ademola Rauf Salami, while declaring the event open, commended the leadership of the union for its peaceful approach to issues and its various developmental initiatives. The lecture was themed: “Defending Workers in a Changing Nigeria: Labour Rights, Collective Power, and the Future of Public Institutions.”
Dr. Salami, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Provost, Dr. Adebiyi Benedictus Adekunle, admonished participants to take full advantage of the lecture by putting the lessons learnt into practical use.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Ademola Wasiu Alli (FCA), explained that the contributions of labour unions to institutional development cannot be overemphasised.
Dr. Ademola, who was honoured with the Enterprise Leadership and Economic Development Award during the occasion for his philanthropic gestures, noted that leadership demands responsibility and utmost integrity. He urged the NASU leadership of the college not to relent in contributing its quota to the continuous development of the institution.
Speaking on the relationship between the workforce and employers, Dr. Ademola opined that both parties are expected to complement one another in achieving a common goal.
He also expressed concern over the continuous decline in societal norms and values, stressing that the reintroduction of orientation programmes nationwide, alongside proper upbringing, remains crucial to the progress of the country and its citizens.
Delivering his keynote address, the NASU Deputy General Secretary, Rt. Comrade Tunji Carroll, represented by the Acting Chairman of NASU in Oyo State, Comrade Ibrahim Adekunle Akande, enumerated the enormous tasks before labour unions and highlighted challenges such as injustice, deprivation of rights, breach or non-implementation of agreements, lack of fair treatment, poor welfare packages, and inadequate living wages confronting workers in the country.
He stressed the need for governments at all levels and employers to invest in their employees and always respect agreements reached by both parties.
Comrade Carroll also advocated the formulation and implementation of people-oriented policies, while urging the trade union movement to remain democratic in its agitations and avoid political manipulation.
According to him, “A nation that weakens its workers weakens itself. Workers are often the last to be appreciated despite being at the centre of productivity and national development, yet many are denied fair treatment.”
He further called for renewed commitment among labour unions, stressing the need to build solidarity across sectors, extend union activities to the informal sector, and strengthen collective bargaining mechanisms towards ensuring that hard work is adequately rewarded in Nigeria.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Branch Chairman of NASU, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, Comrade Badmus Tolulope, emphasised the need for workers and employers to understand their rights, obligations, responsibilities, and limitations within the ambit of the law, which, according to him, formed the basis for the lecture theme.
Comrade Tolulope submitted that a peaceful and productive academic environment can only thrive where there is mutual understanding, lawful engagement, institutional fairness, and respect for due process.
He reiterated the commitment of the union to sustaining the existing cordial relationship between the union and the management of the institution. He also appreciated the institution’s management for consistently providing an enabling environment for union activities and institutional progress, as well as members of the branch executive council for their commitment to the growth of the union and the welfare of members.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to deserving personalities for their outstanding contributions in various fields.
Recipients of the awards included Rt. Comrade Tunji Carroll, received Distinguished Service Award in Trade Union Leadership; Comrade Ibrahim Adekunle Akande, honoured with the Outstanding State Leadership in Labour Relations Award; Barrister Oyeleru Wakil Oyedemi, recipient of the Award of Excellence in Media Leadership and Public Enlightenment; renowned human rights lawyer, Barrister Femi Falana, received the Lifetime Award of Excellence in Law, Justice and Human Rights Advocacy; and the First Lady of Oyo State, Engr. Tamunomini Makinde (FNSE).
