The Executive Chairman of Olorunda Local Government, Hon. Ajose, and the State President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Ogunfowora Sunday Sewanu, have reaffirmed their commitment to workers’ welfare and effective service delivery during the 2025 Third Quarter Workers’ Forum held at the council secretariat.
The meeting, which also served as the council’s monthly prayer session, has over the years remained a vital platform for dialogue between the local government’s management and its workforce — fostering participatory governance and mutual accountability.
Ajose Reaffirms Commitment to Workers’ Welfare
In his opening remarks, Hon. Ajose reiterated that the welfare of workers remains central to his administration’s agenda.
“This forum is not just a formality; it is a space where we listen, reflect, and act in the best interest of the workforce that drives our local governance system,” he stated.
The Chairman noted that upon assuming office, his administration discovered a lack of reliable data, which hindered effective planning and budgeting. He emphasized the need for reforms, including structured data collection and digital payment systems, to enhance transparency and efficiency in revenue generation.
“We cannot run the system the same way and expect different results,” he said, adding that staff involvement in revenue collection would continue under an electronic payment structure.
Hon. Ajose also disclosed plans to introduce a revolving loan scheme to support staff financially and announced forthcoming initiatives such as the provision of uniforms and identification tags for revenue collectors to enhance professionalism and accountability.
While addressing issues of productivity, the Chairman expressed concern over declining work ethics among some staff, particularly on Fridays, and urged a renewed sense of dedication. He also raised questions about the non-functionality of the staff clinic, vowing to restore it and improve health facilities within the council area.
“Our inspection revealed that the current state of the staff clinic and Primary Health Centres is unacceptable. Steps are being taken to address these lapses,” he assured.
NULGE President Seeks Improved Health and Welfare Measures
In his address, Comrade Ogunfowora congratulated the Chairman on his election victory and commended his reforms, but also made a passionate appeal for enhanced staff welfare.
He expressed concern over the increasing number of staff deaths, many of which he attributed to health-related causes, and urged the council to establish a functional staff clinic with regular medical checkups.
“We recommend that Mondays and Wednesdays be set aside for staff medical examinations supervised by a resident health practitioner,” he said.
Comrade Ogunfowora also lamented low revenue performance, reportedly around 60 percent, and cautioned against franchising revenue collection in a manner that might render workers redundant. He called for better equipping of area offices and the provision of working tools, including customized uniforms, raincoats, and umbrellas for field officers.
The union leader also appealed for an upward review of staff bonuses and incentives to boost morale, while warning against revenue diversion and laxity.
“Anyone caught diverting council funds will face the full weight of the law,” he cautioned.
Ogunfowora further advised staff to ensure their employment records and personal details on the payroll system remain accurate to avoid unnecessary complications.
Management and Staff Reaffirm Partnership
Speaking at the event, Council Manager, Mr. Adesanya Moruf Olanrewaju, described Hon. Ajose as a “pillar of change”, commending his developmental initiatives, including data collection reforms, reconstruction of town halls, and infrastructural improvements.
He also announced that non-pensionable staff will now receive their salaries on the 23rd of each month — the same day as pensionable staff — a move widely applauded by workers.
In his remarks, the NULGE Chairman of Olorunda Chapter, Comrade Ogunyemi Ayo Rasheed (Apabiekun), lauded both the Executive Chairman and the State President for their dedication to workers’ welfare and called on staff to rededicate themselves to duty through punctuality, diligence, and integrity.
The session concluded with a lively question-and-answer segment and a brief celebration for October-born staff members.
