…observe one minute’s silence for late council staff
It was a warm atmosphere of solidarity and renewed commitment on Tuesday, November 10, 2025, as the Somolu chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) heartily received the Lagos State NULGE President, Comrade Sunday Sewanu Ogunfowora, during his official familiarisation tour of the council.
The visit, which brought together members of the union across various departments in the Somolu Local Government, served as an avenue for interaction, appraisal, and encouragement towards sustaining industrial harmony and workers’ welfare.
In his address, Comrade Sewanu Ogunfowora expressed appreciation to the Somolu NULGE leadership and members for their unwavering support and active participation in the affairs of the union. He commended the council’s staff for their dedication to duty and their contributions to the growth and stability of local government administration in Lagos State.
According to him, the ongoing familiarisation tour across councils is aimed at strengthening unity within the union, fostering better communication between the state and local chapters, and ensuring that workers’ voices are heard in policy implementation. He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritising staff welfare, improving working conditions, and consistent dialogue with government authorities.
He, however, warned them against a lackadaisical attitude to work, noting that the government of the day would not tolerate any indiscipline in the line of duty, while he urged them to prioritise their health status in order to stay alive and reap the fruit of their labour in a sound mind.
Speaking on behalf of the Somolu NULGE members, the chapter chairman, Comrd Bello Waheed Olalekan, lauded Comrade Sewanu’s leadership style, describing it as transparent, inclusive, and visionary. He noted that under Sewanu’s tenure, NULGE Lagos has witnessed remarkable progress in staff motivation, representation, and advocacy.
In his response, the Executive Chairman of Somolu local government welcomed Comrade Sewanu and appreciated him for his leadership ingenuity. He urged the staff of the council to give him all the support when and where necessary to achieve the target goal of moving the Somolu local government to the next level.
“I urge you to give me all the necessary support you accorded my predecessor, and together, we will move the council to the next level. Your welfare and other incentives will be looked into and served accordingly”. He affirmed.
Meanwhile, in a unanimous decision, the Somolu chapter of NULGE publicly endorsed Comrade Sewanu for a second term as the State President, citing his achievements, proactive engagement, and commitment to the welfare of local government workers as reasons for their endorsement.
The event also featured goodwill messages from senior staff members, who praised the synergy between the state and local chapters of the union. They pledged their continued loyalty and cooperation to ensure that NULGE’s goals and objectives are further realised.
Comrade Sewanu, in his closing remarks, appreciated the Somolu chapter for its endorsement and reaffirmed his resolve to serve with humility, fairness, and renewed vigour. He urged members to remain united and committed to the ideals of the union for collective progress.
However, the Council Chairman, Hon. Lateef Ashimi and Sanitarian Ogunbekun were meritoriously awarded for exemplary leadership.
A minute silence was observed in honour of the late staff, Mr Ahmed Opaleye, who died on Monday, as they prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal rest, and comfort the bereaved family.
The visit ended on a cheerful note, with group photographs and expressions of solidarity echoing the union’s slogan: “E soweto, E Africa!”
