Image of the solidarity award being given to Kunle Kalejaye by Hammed Benco.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ogun State Council, has called on Nigerians, particularly professionals and administrators, to join the union to contribute to its continued relevance and value-driven advocacy for workers’ rights across the country.

According to the Union, Nigerians occupying key positions across various sectors, not just political office holders, are the true driving force capable of accelerating the nation’s progress.

The Union, through its State Council Chairman, Comrade Hamed Benco, issued the charge on Tuesday, May 13, during a solidarity visit and leadership award presentation in honour of Asiwaju Kunle Kalejaye, SAN — Chairman of Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, and also Chairman of the Governing Council of the Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences, Ilese-Ijebu.

While delivering his speech, Comrade Benco lauded Asiwaju Kunle Kalejaye for his remarkable contributions to the labour movement and the education sector, describing his leadership as selfless, progressive, and centred on the welfare of workers. He noted that Kalejaye’s exceptional service to both the Union and the institutions he represents has earned him national recognition among a distinguished few. ‘His legacy,’ Benco added, ‘will serve as a motivation to those coming behind.

According to him, Kalejaye was one of only ten recipients shortlisted for the NLC’s 2025 Workers’ Day Awards, selected from a competitive pool of 104 nominees.

He further revealed that 23 projects were commissioned during the last Workers’ Day celebrations, underscoring the union’s commitment to development beyond agitation. As part of future plans, he disclosed proposals for the construction of a shopping mall and an outdoor convenience space, designed to serve as additional revenue streams for the Ogun NLC chapter.

In his remarks, Kalejaye thanked the NLC for the recognition and reiterated his belief in the role of organised labour in national development. He stressed that the Nigeria of today owes a great deal of its progress to the sacrifices made by the labour unions.

“The average Nigerian is not a troublesome person. Their requirement is very small, and when it is met, they don’t give trouble. Nigerian workers are resilient and resourceful, especially when given what is due to them. The NLC has instilled in many of us the values of equity, sacrifice, and progress,” he said.

Reflecting on his tenure, which ends on August 22, Kalejaye expressed confidence that the incoming leadership at the polytechnic would sustain and build upon the gains already made.

He also noted that administrators would benefit greatly by engaging and networking effectively with organised labour, saying it fosters smoother governance and better outcomes.

In a show of support for the union’s ongoing projects, Kalejaye pledged a personal donation of ₦1 million to the Ogun State NLC Chapter.

The delegates from the labour union were accompanied by the Rector of OSCOHTECH, Dr Rasak Akinbo, and the institution’s non-academic staff union, NASU, Com Hakeem Tom Francis Abayomi.