Governor Dapo Abiodun
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has thrown more light into the reason behind the failure of his government to pay workers’ salary promptly saying it was due to lack of fund.
Speaking at the 2022 Public Service Day celebration, held at the Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta on Friday, Governor Abiodun noted that this would be the first time such thing would happen, adding that the State does not intend to make an habit of delaying workers’ salary.
Obviously trying to placate workers in the state who had recently gave his government a warning that they would go on strike soon on matters related to their welfare, the governor said: “This is the first time we did not have enough funds to pay salary on time. I want to assure you that no matter what, we will strive to ensure that salary is paid”.
He said that plans have been put in place to conduct the 2021/2022 promotion exercise, promising that his administration will settle all workers’ entitlements as at when due.
Governor Abiodun acknowledged the great contributions of the public servants, adding that all outstanding issues would be addressed when the economy of the State improves.
While assuring the workers of prompt payment of salaries and improved welfare packages, Abiodun informed that the government had resolved to make all appointments to higher positions in the Ministry, Department and Agencies, (MDAs) on merit, to achieve efficiency and professionalism following the objectives of the founding fathers.
Explaining the reason for the delay in the last month’s salary, the Governor noted that “this is the first time we did not have enough funds to pay salary on time. I want to assure you that no matter what, we will strive to ensure that salary is paid”.
He thanked the Civil Servants for their support and resilience since the inception of the current administration, charging the workers to embrace diligence as their watchword and be in tune with the latest technology for more effective and resourceful job delivery.
In his goodwill message, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, while congratulating the State workers, recognised their service which has made them the best in the country, urging them to keep the flag flying.
” I want to congratulate and wish you well. I am proud of you. You are the best in the country and please, continue to be the best”, he said.
In his welcome address, the Head of Service, Dr. Nafiu Aigoro noted that the workers are the bridge between the government and the governed, and have contributed to the development of the State.
Appreciating the State Governor for providing the necessary ambiance in workplaces, the Head of Service stated that the gesture has led to efficient service delivery, calling on workers not to relent but work towards improving their professionalism and evolve new ways to effectively carry out their duties.
A former Secretary to the State Government and Head of Service, Chief Babatunde Osokoya, in his goodwill message, said the State was noted for excellence in all human endeavours, stressing the need for workers to maintain the standard.
In a lecture titled “Performance Management System: Impact on Productivity”, the guest lecturer, a former General Manager, Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC) Mr. Alex Taiwo, stated that it was the duty of management to ensure that the activities of the workers are in tandem with the wiser objectives of the government.
Taiwo said a performance management system apart from providing platforms for the employees to perform, helps in fostering open dialogue and communication between the government and the governed.
