The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joint Negotiation Committee (JNC) in Ogun State have described Governor Dapo Abiodun as a compassionate leader who has the interest of workers at heart.

In separate letters of gratitude to the governor for approving the Christmas bonus for the state workforce, the two unions said the gesture was a further demonstration of Prince Abiodun’s commitment to the welfare of their members.

TUC, in a letter signed by the Chairman of the Ogun State Council, Comrade Akeem Lasisi, described the bonus payment as a gesture that would help workers overcome the present economic challenges.

“This development was not unexpected, as we are well aware of the compassionate leadership that His Excellency embodies.

“The Christmas bonus package further reinforces the current administration’s reputation for delivering positive changes. This gesture will significantly help alleviate the daily economic hardships that our workforce and their families face. We assure you that this unexpected display of care from His Excellency will encourage our colleagues to strive for even more outstanding achievements for our beloved state.

“We sincerely appreciate the government’s efforts to maintain stability in our industrial relations.

“Please accept our heartfelt gratitude, unwavering loyalty, and support for your administration,” TUC said.

In its own letter of appreciation, JNC Chairman Comrade Olude Isa said the bonus would empower the state workers to have successful celebrations.

He said: “Beyond rhetoric, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, has done it once more, putting smiles on our faces in this season of celebrating Jesus Christ. The bonus has brought to the state workforce two factors: economic empowerment and the faithful heart of inclusiveness.

“We all received the payment; confidently and joyfully, we went shopping. Also, we felt that, indeed, we are included in the overall schemes of relevant stakeholders in our dear state. Honestly, we are very grateful for the timely gesture.

“May the good tidings of Christmas be with His Excellency always. And to his amiable cabinet, the strength to bring our state to our desired greater heights will surely be bestowed on each and every one of them.

“To you, Sir, our truest, passionate leader, the rewarding spirit of His Holiness will ever remain with you and yours.”

By Toyin Falola

The ancient Greek stones, time’s sentinels, align,
Their whispers weave with the winds’ resigned sighs.
A thousand steps, hewn out of will and design,
Call out the brave to the skies of the Venetians.

Every rise makes my heart a fast-beating drum,
The Argolic Gulf expands as a timeless sea.
Strangers go before, their strength steadfast,
While my family mounts upwards in boldness.

But at the topmost stair, fate played its freak,
A slip, a fall, the edge of the world thrown.
My head struck stone; my body, at rest—
The fortress walls my weakness thrown.

The echoes of fear rose from behind,
Three voices cried, their anguish shared.
Yet life, that dogged thread, still aligned,
And from it, I emerged repaired.

I rose with bruises, humbled, sore
But my spirit, Leonidas, roared to rise.
To stand and climb was my sacred chore,
To touch the heavens, claim the prize.

Finally, the summit wind stroked my face,
The bastions whispered: heroes past.
Kolokotronis, Achilles-their mighty grace,
Speaking to me that strength shall always last.

Then came my family and stood next to me, proud and serene,
Their courage-a mirror to who I could have been.
I gazed at my son and my daughter, their shine,
Their future, a fortress stronger than me.

Going down, the steps became small,
A survived journey-a life regained.
Palamidi heights, its rise, its fall,
Forever etched in memory’s frame.

For information on the Palamidi, see https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palamidi

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has admonished Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), charitable organizations, and individuals who wish to distribute palliatives  to the people to involve the government to prevent a chaotic situation that could lead to the loss of lives

Governor Abiodun, who spoke when he visited Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, in his office in Ibadan regarding the stampede that occurred in the city last week, said such an incident would not have happened if the state government had been involved.

“I am here on behalf of myself, the government, and the good people of Ogun State and the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF) to commiserate with the governor of Oyo State and the people on the unfortunate incident that happened on Wednesday, December 18th, where a good initiative turned sour.

“It is most unfortunate that, in response to the current realities, an NGO decided to share the joy of the season with the children, which led to the loss of 35 lives.

“I think that we’ve seen this trend in Anambra and Abuja during this yuletide period.

“I believe that what we must also take away from this unfortunate incident is that when private sector players, non-governmental organizations, and charities want to embark on such initiatives, they should try to work with the government. Because as a responsible government, we carry out such initiatives, and it doesn’t end like this because we have people who are charged with such responsibilities.

“They planned it to ensure that it is well implemented. So, one must admonish others who have such initiatives that a lot of lessons must be learned from what has happened, and we must ensure that we avoid such mishaps in the future,” Prince Abiodun said.

He stated that the Southern Governors’ Forum was pained by the loss, and as the Chairman of the Forum, his visit was to condole with Oyo State, saying that as a neighbor, anything that affects them affects Ogun State.

While praying for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and for the families to bear the loss, the governor wished the people of Oyo State a nerry Christmas and a prosperous new year.

In response, Governor Makinde appreciated his Ogun State counterpart for the visit, saying that it provided an opportunity for the cross-fertilization of ideas that would benefit the two sister states.

He said that the two states would meet next year to have a peer review to see what they could learn from each other and leverage it.