RICE PALLIATIVE TO WORKERS IN ONDO STATE, A PLEA FOR RECONSIDERATION
By: Prince Lucky Okikiola AREMU.
While the state government under the leadership of our caring governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is commended over his good initiatives for the state at large, his Excellency attention is drawn to the workforce in Ondo State, particularly public servants, who has faced a series of conflicting emotions over recent government good initiatives.
First was the efforts to alleviate the economic challenges resulting from the removal of fuel subsidies are commendable, the manner of their execution has created a significant divide, leaving many workers in the state feeling overlooked.
One notable instance of this perceived imbalance was the three-month transport palliative service announced by the state government on August 4th, 2023. The government had declared that, as a relief measure, free shuttle buses would be available for public servants across the state until December 31st, 2023.
This announcement initially sparked hope among workers from all 18 local government areas, who envisioned this initiative as a much-needed solution to the increased cost of transportation.
However, the implementation fell short of expectations. The initiative was restricted solely to Akure metropolis, leaving workers in the remaining 17 local government areas disappointed and excluded. The dashed hopes of workers in these areas highlighted the need for more inclusive policies that account for the entire state workforce, irrespective of location.
Recently, another initiative—the rice palliative for the festive season—rekindled feelings of exclusion among workers outside Akure. While the provision of rice for workers is laudable, the centralization of distribution in Akure has raised serious concerns. Workers from the farthest reaches of the state, including the riverine and hard-to-reach areas, face significant challenges in accessing this palliative. These challenges include the cost of transportation, the risk to personal safety, and the inconvenience of traveling long distances to Akure.
It is important to emphasize that these initiatives reflect good intentions by the state government to support its workforce. However, the execution has left room for improvement. The workforce in Ondo State is a unified entity, and every worker, regardless of their location, deserves equal consideration in government policies and palliatives.
To address these concerns, the state government is urged to:
- Decentralize palliative distribution: Establish distribution centers in each local government area to ensure equitable access for all workers.
- Prioritize accessibility: Implement strategies that reduce the burden on workers in rural areas, such as mobile distribution units or subsidized transport arrangements.
While these government initiatives are laudable, the perceived favoritism towards Akure metropolis creates unnecessary divisions within the workforce. By reconsidering and reworking the implementation strategies for palliatives like the rice distribution and similar future initiatives, the state government can restore hope and trust among all workers in the state.
It is crucial that the government addresses this dilemma with empathy and fairness, ensuring that no worker in Ondo State feels left behind. A more inclusive approach will not only uplift the morale of the workforce but also strengthen their collective commitment to the state’s development.
