The Oyo State government has launched a comprehensive campaign across the state focused on enhancing workplace safety, protecting the welfare of workers, and preventing industrial crises. The initiative was officially kicked off in Ibadan on Thursday by Adeniyi Adebisi, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry.
During the launch, Adebisi emphasized the importance of a proactive approach, advocating for direct engagement with industries rather than waiting for crises to emerge. He highlighted the significant role that industries play in the economic development of Oyo State and pointed out that this new initiative aims to foster communication, verify data, understand industry challenges, and collaboratively seek solutions that would ultimately enhance the state’s revenue.
This sensitization campaign comes on the heels of the establishment of the Industrial Crisis Management Team, which is tasked with overseeing safety interventions throughout the state. Adebisi also announced plans to create a Quality Control Department within the Ministry to bridge the gap between government and industries, ensuring that local products adhere to national standards.
The campaign will entail monthly visits to production facilities and industrial hubs, with the second week of August designated for Ibadan industries. The third week will shift focus to Oyo town, marking the first pilot site outside the capital.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, highlighted the outreach’s objective of engaging with industry leaders and union representatives at various companies, including Sumal Foods Limited, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Zartech Limited, and Nisalee Industries Limited. The discussions aim to safeguard workers’ rights, ensure the enforcement of health and safety regulations mandated by the Federal Government, and prevent disputes within the workplace.
Governor ‘Seyi Makinde’s administration is dedicated to elevating workers’ welfare in the private sector to match that of public sector employees. Okesade noted the observed high compliance levels in safety practices but stressed the necessity of maintaining such standards.
As part of this initiative, the sensitization team will conduct thorough inspections of facilities, focusing on essential infrastructure such as restrooms, canteens, staff clinics, fire safety systems, and first aid resources. The Ministry confirmed that similar evaluations and engagements have already taken place at previously visited industries.
The campaign is set to continue its rounds across various sectors and companies in Oyo State, reinforcing the government’s commitment to workplace safety and employee welfare.
The sensitisation exercise is being carried out by the Industrial Crisis Management Unit, which was established following a resolution by the Oyo State House of Assembly in November 2024.
The Unit was one of the key recommendations of the Joint Committee on Employment, Labour, Productivity, Pensions, Health, Nutrition and Food Security after investigating the July 22, 2024 incident at the “YALE 3” branch of Sumal Foods Limited, Oluyole Industrial Estate, Ibadan.
