Lagos State Government on Monday pledged sustainability of the already existing cordial relationship with Labour leaders in the State, assuring that adequate consideration would be given to all requests from the various industrial unions.

The Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle gave the assurance during the opening session of the first batch of a training programme organised by the Ministry for Labour leaders in Ikeja, Lagos.

According to the Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Establishments and Training, Dr. Abiodun Onayele, there is a need for labour leaders in Lagos State to always follow the path of dialogue in conflict resolution as against embarking on industrial action as being experienced in some States.

Speaking on the theme for the training – “Strengthening Trade Union Leadership, Mitigating the Challenges And Fostering Sustainable Industrial Harmony For More Development, More Prosperous Lagos State” – Ponnle commended the industrial harmony enjoyed under the administration of Governor Bababjide Sanwo-Olu in the last two years.

While noting that it was heartwarming that the present administration has not experienced any industrial action by labour unions, the Commissioner attributed the feat to the creative thinking, innovativeness and approach to union issues and management of situations by the leadership of the State.

“Lagos State would continue to maintain cordial relationship with the Labour leaders, and more importantly, we will ensure that no request or suggestions made by the union leaders would be swept under the carpet”, Ponnle stated.

She also restated the determination of the government to ensure that the relationship with leadership of Unions is sustained, saying “Though there may be conflicts, our office would ensure we sit at a roundtable to iron things out. I believe at the end of the day, we would all have a stronger relationship”.

Also in his remark, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour and Industrial Relations, Comrade Babatunde Williams, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for the training and retraining of Union leaders in the State.

He expressed hope that at the end of the two-day training, participants would be fully equipped on the strategy and tools for effective planning, communication skills, mentorship and negotiation skills as well as the future of work in the post-COVID era.

The Special Adviser said that other plans to ensure that labour leaders are professionally equipped would soon be unveiled by the present administration.

Speaking during the training session, one of the facilitators, Prof. Shola Fajana said that trained, visionary and strong leaders will positively impact their organisations by being able to inspire the people in their associations, adding that good leaders should always have strong machinery in motion to ensure succession plan.

Issues of leadership qualities, how to manage crisis, growing a successful union, teamwork and placing a square peg in a square hole were among other issues treated during the training session.