Oyo Govt begins safety sensitization for industrial workers
The Oyo State Government has launched a statewide campaign to promote workplace safety, safeguard workers’ welfare, and prevent industrial disputes.
The initiative was flagged off on Thursday in Ibadan by the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi.
Adebisi said the exercise was designed to proactively engage industries, gather accurate data, address challenges, and strengthen industrial harmony.
“As a responsible and responsive government, we should not wait for crises before engaging industries. This programme allows us to interact directly, verify facts, and collaborate on solutions, while also boosting the state’s revenue,” he said.
According to him, the campaign follows the creation of the Industrial Crisis Management Team, which will coordinate safety interventions across the state. Plans are also underway to establish a Quality Control Department to ensure locally made products meet acceptable standards.
The sensitization exercise will involve monthly visits to industrial hubs. Ibadan industries are scheduled for the second week of August, while Oyo town will serve as the first pilot location outside the capital in the third week.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, explained that visits to companies such as Sumal Foods Limited, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Zartech Limited, and Nisalee Industries Limited were aimed at engaging management and union leaders, ensuring workers’ welfare, and verifying compliance with health and safety standards.
He added that Governor Seyi Makinde is committed to ensuring private sector workers enjoy welfare comparable to public sector employees.
During the inspections, the team assessed facilities including toilets, canteens, staff clinics, fire control systems, and first aid stations.
The campaign is being implemented by the Industrial Crisis Management Unit, established after a November 2024 resolution of the State House of Assembly. It was one of the recommendations following the July 22, 2024, incident at the “YALE 3” branch of Sumal Foods Limited, Ibadan.
