TUC Chair Calls for Immediate Action on Workers’ Welfare, Rejects Staff Quarters Demolition at Ondo May Day Rally
By Exponent News Akure, May 1, 2025
The Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ondo State Council, Comrade Clement Fatuase, has called on the Ondo State Government to urgently address critical issues affecting workers, including delayed release of funds to MDAs, outstanding gratuities, and halted promotion exercises. He also condemned a purported plan to demolish workers’ residential quarters, calling instead for renovation and affordable land access.
Comrade Fatuase made these remarks during his address at the 2025 May Day celebration in Akure, where he joined thousands of workers to commemorate the international event. He urged reflection on past struggles while calling attention to pressing challenges still facing workers in the state.
“This annual event is more than celebration,” he said. “It is a moment for sober reflection, a time to express our collective concerns, and a time to demand that our voices be heard.”
Commendation with Concerns
While congratulating Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa and Deputy Governor Olaide Adelami on their electoral victory, Fatuase pledged labour’s willingness to partner with the government. However, he raised alarm over bureaucratic bottlenecks that are stalling service delivery in government offices.
“Budgeted activities in MDAs are being stalled due to the non-release of warrants by the Ministry of Finance,” he revealed. “This inaction has rendered departments unproductive despite the willingness of officials to serve.”
Security and Housing
Appreciating the performance of Amotekun Corps and other security agencies, Fatuase nonetheless decried the resurgence of criminal activities in the state. He urged the governor to “issue firm directives to security operatives to end the menace once and for all.”
Of greater concern was the reported plan to demolish staff quarters. The TUC Chairman rejected the move outright. “Such a decision would worsen the already tense economic condition of workers,” he warned. “We recommend that the quarters be renovated for continued use by civil servants.”
He further urged the governor to provide affordable land to workers through the Ondo State Property and Development Company.
Transport, Gratuities, and Promotion
Fatuase acknowledged the governor’s intervention in the transport sector, particularly in resolving union-related issues. However, he requested that standardized motor parks be established across the 18 local government areas and shared equitably among the transport unions. He cited Ekiti State as a model.
On pensions, Fatuase lamented that gratuity payments remain outstanding since 2016. “Delayed payment depreciates the real value of the funds,” he stressed. “We urge the government to find ways to clear the backlog so only new retirees will require attention going forward.”
Turning to worker promotions, he reminded the governor of his administration’s pledge to implement promotions as of the first working day of each year—a promise yet to be fulfilled in 2025. “We appeal for the immediate commencement of the 2025 promotion process,” he said.
Education and Technical Manpower
The union leader expressed appreciation for the government’s efforts in upgrading infrastructure at state-owned technical colleges. Still, he stressed that facilities without skilled instructors amount to wasted investment.
He urged the recruitment of competent technical instructors, craftsmen, and technicians. “Let us not forget that quality instruction is critical to making technical education meaningful and contributing to state GDP,” Fatuase said.
Final Words and Call for Unity
Concluding his address, the TUC chairman encouraged workers to remain resilient and patriotic. “Tough times never last, but tough people do,” he said, calling on civil servants to continue performing their duties diligently and to advise the government without fear.
He also warned the governor to be cautious of sycophants and develop a direct feedback mechanism. “You need honest voices, not sugar-coated lips,” he cautioned.
The event was marked by songs of solidarity and banners calling for improved welfare across sector.
