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..says the cost of living threatens workers’ purchasing power, NLC chair warns

…calls for affordable transport, improved wages, prompt payment of workers’ entitlements

The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ondo State Council, Comrade Ademola Olapade, has congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, urging governments at all levels to place workers and ordinary citizens at the centre of Nigeria’s economic recovery and development agenda.

Olapade, in an Independence Day message, said the anniversary should not only be a moment for celebration but also an opportunity for sober reflection on the conditions of workers and the millions of Nigerians struggling to cope with the rising cost of living.

According to him, the true meaning of independence must include economic dignity, decent wages, affordable transportation, access to basic necessities and an environment where workers can live with dignity from the fruits of their labour.

He noted that the continued rise in the cost of petrol and transportation had placed enormous pressure on workers, whose earnings are increasingly being eroded by the rising prices of food, housing, education, healthcare and other essential commodities.

The NLC chairman said the organised labour in Ondo State remained committed to constructive engagement with the state government in finding practical solutions to the challenges confronting workers.

He reiterated the Congress’ call for urgent measures to reduce the burden of transportation on workers, including the provision of affordable mass transit options, CNG-powered buses and other sustainable interventions that could help reduce workers’ commuting costs.

Olapade also called for sustained improvement in workers’ welfare, including the timely payment of salaries and allowances, prompt payment of leave bonuses, regular promotions and opportunities for professional and capacity development.

He said a modern and productive public service could only be sustained when workers were adequately motivated, trained and protected.

The labour leader further stressed the importance of protecting workers’ fundamental rights, particularly the right to organise and belong to lawful trade unions without intimidation, victimisation or discrimination.

He recalled the position of organised labour on the need for proper implementation of agreements affecting workers, citing the recent dispute surrounding the transition of workers at the Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH), where the NLC and TUC demanded compliance with the transition agreement and protection of workers’ union rights.

According to him, the NLC would continue to pursue workers’ interests through dialogue, consultation and all lawful means whenever necessary.

“Independence must translate into freedom from hunger, poverty, exploitation and economic hardship. A nation cannot achieve sustainable development when the people who drive its economy cannot afford to meet their basic needs.

“We therefore call on governments at all levels to make workers’ welfare a central component of their development programmes. Workers are not merely beneficiaries of government policies; they are partners in building the Nigeria we all desire.

“As we celebrate 66 years of nationhood, we must renew our commitment to building a country where hard work is rewarded, where workers can afford decent lives and where every Nigerian has a genuine opportunity to prosper,” Olapade said.

He commended the Ondo State Government for its engagement with organised labour and payment of 2026 leave bonus to local government staffs and call on government to commence that of state as a matter of urgency. He urged the administration to sustain dialogue with workers while addressing outstanding welfare concerns.

Olapade also called on workers to remain committed to their duties, stressing that the struggle for better working conditions must go hand in hand with productivity, professionalism and dedication to public service.

He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and united, saying that the challenges confronting the country could be overcome through responsible leadership, social dialogue, fairness and collective commitment to national development.

The NLC chairman wished Nigerians, particularly workers and pensioners in Ondo State, a peaceful and meaningful 66th Independence Anniversary.

Signed:
Comrade Ademola Olapade,
NLC chairman, Ondo state council.

..group says economic reforms need time to mature, calls for stability and policy consistency

The Ondo State Rainbow Coalition (OSRC), a coalition of registered political parties in the state, has called for the continuity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and economic reforms beyond 2027.

The coalition made the call in a statement issued on Thursday to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Led by its Chairman, Omo’ba Abayomi Adesanya, the coalition congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad, describing the country’s 66 years of nationhood as a journey marked by resilience, challenges, triumphs and collective hope.

The coalition said the economic reforms initiated by President Tinubu required sufficient time to mature and deliver their expected benefits.

According to the statement, reforms including fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification, infrastructure renewal, the Student Loan Scheme, credit reforms, local government autonomy and security architecture reforms were laying a foundation that should not be truncated.

The coalition argued that nation-building was a long-term process, stressing the need for continuity, stability and consolidation of government policies.

It therefore called for the continuation of President Tinubu in office until 2031, saying a second term would provide an opportunity for the administration to complete its economic transition from consumption to production.

The group also said continuity would help deepen the gains of the reforms and provide the policy consistency needed to build confidence among investors and development partners.

“Nation-building is not a sprint but a marathon,” the coalition stated, urging Nigerians to support the government and allow the reforms sufficient time to yield results.

The coalition also called on Nigerians, particularly residents of Ondo State, to pray for the country, support the government and shun what it described as divisive rhetoric.

It urged citizens to embrace its stated ideals of “Unity, Courage and Progress” and support the administration in its efforts to achieve what it described as an eight-year vision for a prosperous Nigeria.

The coalition expressed confidence that continuity would help Nigeria emerge stronger, more united and economically vibrant.

It also prayed for the continued progress of Nigeria and Ondo State as the country marked its 66th Independence Anniversary.

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.

Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the anniversary, describing the country’s warmth, hospitality and diversity, as well as its human and natural resources, as major assets capable of driving national prosperity.

The minister stressed the importance of peace and stability to national development, describing them as essential conditions for the growth and progress of any nation.

He urged Nigerians to emulate the patriotism of the country’s founding fathers and work collectively towards building a nation that future generations would be proud of.

“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we should always remember that there is hope for our country and our diversity is our strength, and our collective determination remains the foundation upon which a stronger and more prosperous nation will be built,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remained committed, through the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, to improving the country and creating a better future for citizens.

He urged Nigerians to use the anniversary as an opportunity to demonstrate unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

According to him, the government would continue to strengthen national security, improve public safety and create an environment where Nigerians can live, work and pursue their legitimate aspirations with confidence.

The minister also paid tribute to the nation’s past heroes, calling on Nigerians to sustain the values of patriotism and national unity as the country marks another milestone in its journey as an independent nation.

He added that a new Nigeria was achievable, urging citizens to continue to contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.

…restricts movement from 7am to 10am

The Ondo State Government has announced that the September edition of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise will hold across the state on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

As part of measures to ensure effective participation, the government said movement of persons and vehicles would be restricted between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. during the exercise.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Tob Loko, Ph.D., residents were urged to use the three-hour sanitation period to clean their surroundings and contribute to maintaining a healthy environment.

The government specifically advised residents to clear drainage channels, desilt gutters, remove refuse and debris, and trim overgrown weeds around their homes and business premises.

According to the statement, the sanitation exercise is part of the government’s efforts to promote a clean, safe and disease-free environment across Ondo State.

The government, therefore, called on residents to comply with the temporary movement restriction and actively participate in the exercise.

It reiterated its commitment to sustaining environmental sanitation across the state and urged residents to cooperate with relevant authorities for the success of the programme.

The statement was signed electronically by the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Tob Loko, Ph.D., on September 23, 2026.

…commission targets staff wellness, unity, improved service delivery

The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has commenced a monthly fitness exercise aimed at promoting staff wellness, strengthening team spirit and enhancing service delivery.

The maiden edition of the initiative was held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Commission’s premises, with staff from various departments participating in the exercise.

The programme featured warm-up exercises, aerobics, light cardio, stretching, team-building activities and health awareness sessions, led by a professional trainer, Mr Kayode Isijola.

The exercise provided an opportunity for staff to engage in physical activity while fostering interaction, unity and a shared commitment to healthier living.

Speaking with newsmen, the Director of Tourism and Sports Development, Mrs Esther Sanni, said the initiative was designed to promote staff wellness, strengthen unity among employees and ultimately improve service delivery.

Sanni commended the staff for their impressive turnout and punctuality, which she said contributed to the success of the maiden edition.

She said, “The exercise is aimed at promoting staff wellness, fostering unity among staff and enhancing better service delivery. All staff came out in their numbers, and we recorded a huge success. People also came out punctually, which was very encouraging.”

Also speaking, the Deputy Director, Legal Services, Barrister Boyemiyenghan Gbamila, described the exercise as refreshing and energising, commending the Executive Chairman, Prince Biyi Poroye, for introducing the initiative.

“The fitness exercise was superb. It was refreshing and energising, and we really enjoyed it. I participated actively from the beginning to the end. It is certainly worth repeating,” Gbamila said.

He expressed appreciation to the executive chairman for the initiative and prayed for God’s continued guidance, wisdom and protection upon him.

The exercise was attended by members of the Commission’s top management, including the Executive Director, Finance, Mallam Mallon Adekunle Ogbaro; Executive Director, Projects, Dr Olujimi Kufo; Principal Secretary to the Chairman, Dr Henry Babatunde; and Special Assistant to the Chairman on Community Affairs, Pastor Ishola Omoyele, among other senior officials.