Oyo begins safety sensitisation for industrial workers

Adejayan Gbenga –

The Oyo State Government has launched a statewide campaign to promote workplace safety, protect workers’ welfare, and prevent industrial disputes.

The campaign was flagged off in Ibadan on Thursday by the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, who described it as a proactive measure to engage industries, address challenges, and strengthen industrial harmony.

“As a responsible and responsive government, we should not wait for crises before engaging industries. This programme allows us to interact directly, verify facts, and collaborate on solutions, while also boosting the state’s revenue,” Adebisi said.

According to him, the campaign follows the creation of the Industrial Crisis Management Team, which will coordinate safety interventions across the state. He added that the government plans to establish a Quality Control Department to ensure products made in Oyo meet acceptable standards.

The sensitisation exercise will feature monthly visits to factories and industrial hubs. Industries in Ibadan are scheduled for inspection in the second week of August, while Oyo town will serve as the first pilot location outside the capital in the third week.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olajide Okesade, said visits to companies such as Sumal Foods Limited, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Zartech Limited, and Nisalee Industries Limited were aimed at engaging management and union leaders, safeguarding workers’ welfare, and verifying compliance with safety regulations.

He stated that Governor Seyi Makinde remains committed to ensuring private sector workers enjoy welfare comparable to those in the public sector. During inspections, the team assessed facilities including toilets, canteens, staff clinics, fire control systems, and first aid stations.

The initiative is being implemented by the Industrial Crisis Management Unit, created following a resolution of the Oyo State House of Assembly in November 2024. It was one of the key recommendations after the July 22, 2024 incident at the “YALE 3” branch of Sumal Foods Limited in Ibadan.