The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions, has organised a retreat for union leaders in the State with the theme: “Employer/Employee Relations in the New World of Work”.
In his opening address at the event which commenced on Thursday at the Crown City Park Resort and Hotel, Agbara, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour and Industrial Relations, Mr. Babatunde Oladeinde Williams, said the retreat is an annual event organised for Union Leaders to network, socialise and engage in productive interaction with government officials with the objective of creating a symbiotic bond and promoting industrial harmony in the State.
He reminded participants that the present administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu is labour-friendly and is committed to ensuring excellent service delivery to the good people of Lagos State through a well-motivated and competent workforce.
Williams opined that the retreat will avail labour leaders the opportunity to refresh and upgrade their knowledge on current trends in Labour and Industrial Relations practices with particular reference to the management of Employer/Employee relations in the dynamic and ever-changing world of work.
The Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, who was represented by Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mr. Samson Ajibade, congratulated the Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions as well as the Labour Unions for creating room for interaction.
Whilst acknowledging the role of Labour Unions in the development of the State, he said both government officials and the unions are working as a team because union members are the representatives of the entire workforce in Lagos State.
The HoS advised the participants not to fight for their members alone but to also advise the government on key areas for development, stressing that the union leaders must be able to make sacrifices in some areas and engage the government meaningfully because they are both partners in progress.
Muri-Okunola, declaring the retreat open, said the forum provided an opportunity for union leaders to unwind and encouraged them to do so while observing COVID-19 safety protocols.
In his own remark, the Chairman, Joint Pubic Service Negotiating Council, Comrade Olusegun Rahmon Balogun, commended the Lagos State Government for the initiative, noting that the programme has become a yearly event in the State Government’s calendar.
He revealed that Lagos is the only State that organises such an event in the whole of the Federation and expressed his appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle; Special Adviser on Labour, Comrade Babatunde Williams and the Permanent Secretary, Office of Establishments and Training, Dr. Biodun Onayele, for prioritising the welfare of not only the workforce but that of the union leaders.
Balogun said the resolve of the State Government under the leadership of Mr. Governor to train and re-train union leaders as a way of building lasting peace and harmonious working relationship is a commendable development.
Present at the event were the Permanent Secretary, Office of Establishments and Training, Dr. Biodun Onayele; Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Pensions Office, Mrs. Bandele Fadipe; Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress, Lagos Chapter, Comrade Agnes Sessi and union leaders.
