…to visitmanufacturing plants, industrial hubs monthly
As part of efforts meant to improve workplace safety, protect workers’ welfare, and prevent industrial crises, the Oyo State Government has commenced a statewide sensitisation and advocacy campaign.
The move is a proactive step to engage industries, educate stakeholders, and build a culture of safety and mutual respect in the workplace.
Adeniyi Adebisi, Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, speaking during the campaign flag-off in Ibadan, said “As a responsible and responsive government, we should not wait for crisis before engaging our industries.
“They play a vital role in the growth of Oyo State’s economy, and this initiative will allow us to interact with them directly, verify data, understand their challenges, and work together to find solutions. It will also help boost the state’s revenue.”
He explained that the sensitisation exercise followed the inauguration of the Industrial Crisis Management Team, which would coordinate industrial safety interventions across the State.
Adebisi added that the Government had started working on establishing a Quality Control Department in the Ministry that would serve as a link between Government and industries, ensuring that products made in Oyo State meet acceptable standards locally and nationally.
While saying that the campaign will involve monthly visits to production companies and industrial hubs, he disclosed that the second week of August had been set aside for Ibadan-based industries, while the third week would focus on Oyo town as the first pilot location outside the State capital.
Olajide Okesade, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, also speaking, said the visit to industries such as Sumal Foods Limited, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Zartech Limited and Nisalee Industries Limited, were to interact with Management and Union representatives, ensure workers’ welfare, and verify that health facilities and safety standards are in place.
He stated that the essence of the outreach is to prevent disputes, protect employees’ rights, and ensure compliance with safety regulations as directed by the Federal Government.
“Governor Seyi Makinde, is committed to making workers’ welfare in the private sector as good as those in the public sector. We have observed high compliance levels, but it is important to sustain these standards,” Okesade said.
As part of the ongoing exercise, the sensitisation team toured the factories and other facilities to assess and inspect critical infrastructure such as toilets, canteens, staff clinics, fire control systems including extinguishers and fire trucks, as well as first aid facilities.
