The Ogun State House of Assembly has restated its commitment to prioritizing teachers’ welfare through targeted legislative actions and policies, while also emphasizing the need for inclusivity and human rights protection across the state.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the executive members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Ogun State chapter, led by its Chairman, Comrade Sewakanu Noah, at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Elemide, while addressing the delegation, emphasized the revered status of teachers in society, noting that the profession remains the foundation for building all other professions.
“Teaching is the cornerstone of every nation. You mould every profession. That is why your welfare cannot be treated with levity,” he stated.
He referenced the Tenth Assembly’s role in the passage of the Principals General Bill and urged the union to strengthen its engagement with other arms of government to foster sustainable policies beneficial to educators.
Touching on key welfare matters such as the State Contributory Pension Scheme and the prioritization of teachers’ salaries as first-line charges, Elemide encouraged the union to push for broader stakeholder dialogue.
“We in the legislature are committed to ensuring teachers’ concerns are heard. Engage with stakeholders and be assured of our unwavering support,” he added.
Earlier, Comrade Sewakanu Noah expressed appreciation to the Assembly for championing teacher-friendly initiatives. He commended the legislature for its role in passing the Principals General Bill and in passing resolutions like toll exemption for teachers on the Ijebu-Epe Road.
“These actions speak volumes. They show your genuine commitment to education and its workforce,” he said.
Noah also used the opportunity to request a review of the State’s contributory pension law to better address teachers’ retirement concerns.
In a separate engagement, Speaker Elemide received the Ogun State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mrs. Olayinka Odibe, who was at the Assembly to discuss greater collaboration in advancing human rights across the state.
Elemide pledged the Assembly’s continued support for legislations that promote equity, justice, and inclusion.
“The Assembly will continue to prioritize policies that advocate genuine human rights and inclusivity. We want a society free of discrimination—whether gender-based, health-related, or social,” he affirmed.
Mrs. Odibe, in her remarks, emphasized the urgency for more proactive laws to protect individuals from discrimination, particularly those based on gender and health status.
“We need stronger laws and more community sensitization to address rising concerns on discrimination. The Assembly’s support is crucial,” she noted.
She revealed plans by the NHRC to intensify its grassroots campaigns, aimed at promoting awareness and protecting the rights of the vulnerable across communities.
