Ondo state governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, on Monday foreclosed the hope of reviving moribund industries in the state.
Akeredolu, however raised the hope of establishing new industries to create employment in the state, rather than wasting resources to resuscitate dead industries.
The governor who stated this during the May Day celebration, held at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Square in Akure, the state capital, said he was not good at reviving ‘dead’ but creating new industries that would lead to employment of youths in the state.
He specifically ruled out reviving Oluwa Glass Industries in Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government or NIROWI in Ondo in Ondo West council area of the state,and assured that his government will create employment opportunities for youths in the state.
He said his administration would soon start the re-forestation in order to create 10,000 job opportunities in the state.
He commended the workers in the state for their support for his government saying despite the economic downturn characterised by unpaid salaries, the workers have shown commitment to their duties.
“This is clearly a display of patriotism and resilience which no doubt has resulted in the achievements recorded by the state so far.
Of a truth, all over the world, the worker is recognised as the most important factor of production and also considered as a veritable tool of government for impacting the citizenry and bringing about positive change and socio-economic development.
“The Nigerian worker is not only an important part of our history, but a pivot of our past, present and future. That was why in my inaugural speech, I promised that my administration will drive efficiency through capacity building and training targeted at retooling our public service.”
The welfare of workers and the good people of Ondo State is the priority of this government and you will all agree with me that it is evidenced by the frantic efforts made so far in prompt payment of workers’ salaries and gradual offsetting of the salary arrears.
Akeredolu however advised the workers to start thinking outside the box on how to diversify the economy of the state from oil dependence into agriculture, entrepreneurship and industrialisation in order to boost the Internally Generated Revenue of the state
“I solicit your co-operation and understanding, as partners in progress in ensuring an atmosphere of industrial peace and harmony in our effort to promote high productivity which is a prerequisite for sustainable socio-economic progress of our Sunshine State.”
He charged them to “cultivate positive attitude and shun absenteeism, lateness to work and other unethical conducts which are tantamount to indiscipline and poor output in the public service.
Speaking during the celebration, the state Chairman of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Ondo state council, called on the state government to address the political imbroglio in the state House of Assembly to move the state forward.
He said “members should know the lives and we’ll being of the people of the state they are representing depend largely on the budget of the state which their political crisis is delaying its passage. We pray the issue is resolved before the public lose their patience. “
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