OLORUNDA CHAIRMAN, HON. AJOSE, AND NULGE STATE PRESIDENT, COMR. OGUNFOWORA, ATTEND 2025 THIRD QUARTER WORKERS’ FORUM
By Morris Nor// The Executive Chairman, Olorunda Local Government, Hon. Ajose attended the monthly prayer session cum 2025 Third Quarter Workers’ Forum, a longstanding platform for fostering open dialogue between the workforce and management.
The platform’s existence spanned decades, and remains a cornerstone of participatory governance within the local government system. It provides a structured opportunity for candid discussions on staff welfare, work environment, and service delivery.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Ajose reiterated his administration’s determination on workers welfare.
According to him this forum is not just a formality but also a space where we listen, reflect, and act in the best interest of the workforce that drives our local governance system
Hon Ajose informed that on assumption of office,he had predetermined and well structured developmental agenda. But as the journey continues,it was discovered that there were no data to work with . He drew analogy to parents of households where their expenses will be based on available resources and this will involve budgeting analysis for meaningful results. He stated that we cannot run the system the same way and expect different results therefore there is the need for change. He quickly chipped in that there is nothing wrong about franchise with viable Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU).
He noted that the primary responsibility of the Contractor is to generate data and not necessarily responsible for revenue collection. He assured the NULGE President,Comr Ogunfowora that staff will be involved in the collection of revenue and the mode of payment is e- payment. He added that there is nothing wrong in motivating staff in as much as they meet or exceed the set targets. This will invariably spur more efficiency and productivity.
Hon. Ajose reaffirmed that the interest of staff will not be jeopardized because he was once a civil servant. He said, he has in pipeline to roll out revolving loans which will be beneficial to everyone. But solicited for the support and cooperation.
While on the issue of uniforms for revenue collectors he stated that he has a plan to that effect. It is evidently clear that data collection officers are always seen in customized uniforms. Moreso for acceptability there is pressing need to introduce staff identification tags.
He told members of staff that he operates open door communication policy. He encouraged staff to feel free to approach him on critical matters. Alternatively, they may contact the Council Manager if necessary.
However, he expressed concern over the poor work attitude of some staff, particularly on Fridays.
The Council Chief inquired whether the staff clinic had previously been operational and questioned why concerns about its current non-functionality are only now being raised. He emphasized that the absence of prior complaints could be interpreted as implicit consent, stating that silence means consent.
He informed that following his recent inspection and monitoring visits, he expressed deep concern, noting that the current state of the clinic and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) is nothing to write home about. He assured all present that positive steps are already being taken to address these shortcomings and restore proper functionality to these health facilities.
The Council Chief stated unequivocally that the restoration of adult education should be considered done.
The President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Ogunfowora Sunday Sewanu described that his visit to Olorunda LCDA has a two-fold purpose.
Firstly, to congratulate the Chairman on his recent victory at the Council polls. Secondly, to make a passionate appeal on behalf of the staff, particularly concerning their health and general welfare.
Comrade Ogunfowora, who has been on a mission across 16 Local Governments, lamented the increasing number of staff deaths, many of which are health-related. He urged the Chairman to consider setting aside Mondays and Wednesdays for routine staff medical checkups, supervised by an on-site medical practitioner. He further recommended the establishment of a functional staff clinic equipped with first aid boxes and essential drugs.
Speaking further he acknowledged the staff’s performance regarding on revenue collection is not encouraging particularly the low percentage generated reportedly within the region of around 60%—which he described as unsatisfactory when compared with other councils. He therefore appealed to the Chairman to reconsider the plans to franchise revenue collection, stressing that such a move could render staff redundant.
Comrade Ogunfowora also urged the Chairman to assist in equipping the area offices for better operational efficiency. He suggested that providing customized uniforms for staff could serve not only as identification but also as a means of public sensitization and branding.
While commending the establishment of the Data Collection Committee, he appealed for greater staff involvement in the exercise as backup because they are familiar with the local terrain and this will be added advantage, particularly in bill distribution.
Still hammering on revenue generation, he urged the council to make better use of the marriage registry, which he said remains a viable source of income. He also recommended the provision of raincoats, umbrellas, and rain boots to revenue officers to enable them perform optimally during the rainy season.
As the council prepares for its budget retreat, the NULGE President advocated for an upward review of festivity bonuses and other incentives to boost staff morale and productivity.
Comrade Ogunfowora expressed displeasure over workers’ attitude. He issued stern warning on revenue misappropriation, lackadaisical attitude of some workers towards their duties. He revealed that plans are underway at the State level to address and curb this worrisome trend.
He cited a recent case involving 430 staff members whose names were delisted from the Oracle system for various reasons. According to him, it took significant effort and intervention before their reinstatement was achieved. He therefore urged all staff to ensure they regularly undergo verification and cross-check personal details especially their date of birth on their payslips to avoid unnecessary complications or removal from the payroll.
In a strong warning to revenue staff, Comr. Ogunfowora advised them to desist from the unlawful practice of diverting the council’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). He emphasized that anyone caught engaging in such fraudulent acts will face the full consequences, stating clearly that such individuals will have themselves to blame.
The Council Manager, Mr. Adesanya Moruf Olanrewaju, described the Executive Chairman as a “Pillar of Change,” highlighting the numerous bountiful, innovative, and restructuring programs, such as data collection, fencing of cemeteries,reconstructing town halls etc the Chairman has rolled out since assuming office. He also gave kudos for approving the colorful outing.
Mr. Adesanya stated that the Chairman has directed that non-pensionable staff should equally be paid on the 23rd of every month, just like pensionable staff. He appreciated the NULGE President for his well-thought-out, frank, objective, and well-packaged speech.
Regarding staff, no one will be implicated unless they so desire. He tasked staff to put in their best effort in terms of IGR (Internally Generated Revenue) collection, as this revenue will be used for infrastructural provisions.
The NULGE Chairman, Olorunda chapter Comrade Ogunyemi Ayo Rasheed, also known as Apabiekun, expressed his appreciation to the Executive Chairman for his prompt attention to staff matters. He commended the Executive Chairman’s proactive leadership and administrative direction in effectively piloting the affairs of the council.
He also lauded the President for his purposeful, impactful, and inspiring leadership, as well as his dedicated team.
Furthermore, he urged all staff members to rededicate themselves with renewed zeal through punctuality, diligence, and integrity—to support the new administration to ensure a successful and productive tenure.
At the event, October birthday celebrants were joyfully celebrated with the cutting of cake.
During the Questions and Answers session, all were delightfully engaged
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