The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Ondo State branch held a thanksgiving service on Sunday, January 7, 2023, as part of the activities marking the end of the tenure of Comrade Bola Taiwo led executives. The service was attended by staff from across the 18 local government areas of the state, who came to celebrate the achievements and successes of the outgoing leadership. Also in attendance were families and friends of NULGE from near and far.
The event took place at the Flourish Bible Church, NULGE secretariat, Ilesha Garage, Ondo State. The general overseer of the church, Pastor Ibukun Oluwatayo, delivered a powerful sermon on the theme of restoration. He extolled the values of Jesus Christ, using the examples of Peter and the other fishermen, and Naaman, the leper. He also praised the virtue of the NULGE president, Comrade Bola Taiwo, and his doggedness to ensure that the local government system in Ondo State is peaceful and progressive. He also offered prayers for both the outgoing and incoming executives.
The resident pastor, Pastor Jones Akindehin, spoke at length about the positive contributions that Comrade Bola Taiwo has made in the local government and how he is a time-tested leader that is worthy of all accolades and encomiums showered on him.
In his remarks, Comrade Bola Taiwo, who will be handing over to Comrade Frederick Akinrinlola on Tuesday January 9th, 2024, first asked all staff to observe a one-minute silence in honour of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON, who passed away on December 27, 2023. He also used the occasion to pay glowing tributes to the late governor and said the local government workers would forever be grateful to him for his support and reforms.
He then thanked all the local government staff for their cooperation and loyalty during his four-year tenure. He highlighted some of the achievements of his administration, such as the service reforms, payment of salaries up to date including clearing of arrears, NULGE Health Scheme, the NULGE Savings Scheme, and NULGE Bakery among others. He also advised the incoming executives, led by Comrade Frederick Akinrinlola to work together, and build on the legacy he has left behind. He expressed confidence that the new leadership would surpass his achievements and take NULGE Ondo State to greater heights.
He also thanked God for seeing him through the journey and appreciated his wife, Mrs. Olubunmi Taiwo, for standing by him.
The thanksgiving service was a memorable and joyful occasion, as the staff sang, danced, and prayed for the outgoing and incoming executives.
The NULGE Ondo State branch has shown that it is a united and progressive union, committed to the welfare and development of its members and the local government system. The thanksgiving service was a fitting way to celebrate the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.