Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has announced an increase in the monthly running cost of public primary schools.

He announced the increase during this year’s worker’s day celebration at Onikan Stadium in Lagos Island.

The running cost for public secondary schools was increased from twenty-five thousand to two hundred and fifty thousand naira about two years ago while that of primary schools remained at twenty thousand naira.

They got a post Covid-19 running fund but their main allowance remained twenty thousand naira.

Governor Sanwo-Olu thanked the workers for their contributions to the development of the State and urged them to continue to support the government to deliver the dividends of democracy.

He said: “Fellow workers, your devotion to work is building the vibrant economy of the state. We need to stay the course. As we enter the election season, we must remember that violence and discord has always been at the expense of the worker.

“We have built a good foundation to transform our state and, in the last three years, we have laid the necessary foundation for a rapid upward rise. All we need to do to realise and sustain our dream of a prosperous state is to make our politics devoid of rancour and bitterness. I urge every Lagosians to embrace peace and reject those who make their politics through division and incitement.

Chairman Nigeria Labour Congress, Lagos State chapter, Agnes Sessi assured the state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of their utmost support in his bid to get a second term in office.

She gave the assurance in her address at the Worker’s Day Commemoration theme: “Labour Politics And New Quest For Good Governance And Development In Nigeria”.

According to Sessi, this year’s workers day is a unique one as it coincides with Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

She commended Sanwo-Olu for being the first state to implement the payment of minimum wage to the workers.

She, however, noted that the harsh economic conditions had already eroded the euphoria of the minimum wage.

The NLC Lagos chairman lamented the high cost of transportation fares, foodstuff and house rents which had become unbearable.

“The high cost of living has totally eroded the gains of the minimum wage. We therefore ask for help in cushioning the adverse effects of the economic situations so that people can live up to their responsibilities.”

Commenting on the 2023 election, the NLC chairman said: “On behalf of the workers in Lagos who represent more than 50 per cent of the voting population, we hereby support your second term in office.

“We the workers are supporting you because you are the hope of the masses. Workers in Lagos stand with you.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, you did not sack workers and even gave palliatives. Even after the pandemic, you are still employing workers. You were also prompt in paying salaries.

“This is not like that in other states. Therefore, anywhere you go, we shall stand with you.”

Also speaking, the Lagos TUC Chairman, Comrade Olugbenga Ekundayo, charged all workers to be involved and proactive in the electioneering process.

He said: elections were drawing near and the union would not sit back but be fully involved.

According to him, the day of reckoning is near, we shall be involved and unveil those who we will be supporting.

Ekundayo, however, commended Sanwo-Olu for his commitment and open door policies to workers, adding that the state had what it took and should harness its resources in order to be a world-class state.

He applauded the governor for prioritising workers and pensioners’ welfare while urging him to provide free bus rides and free health care services for retirees.

The Lagos TUC chairman also advised workers on the need to give their all for the growth and development of the nation.