Prioritise Workers’ Welfare, Rev. Daodu Tells RUGIPO Acting Rector

By Sunday Afolayan

A respected clergyman, Rev. P. A. Daodu, has advised the newly appointed Acting Rector of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo RUGIPO), Engr Dr Sunday Olorunwa Lawson, to prioritise staff welfare and use his office as a platform to positively impact lives.

The counsel was given during a well attended thanksgiving service at the Assemblies of God Church, Idimepen, Ijebu Owo, on Sunday, where the cleric emphasised the importance of people-centred leadership in an academic institution.

Rev. Daodu urged the Acting Rector to remain focused on his assignment and avoid distractions that could derail his administration, warning him against sycophants, noting that such influences often mislead leaders and create division within the rank and file of organisations. According to him, effective leadership requires discernment, sincerity, and a clear sense of purpose.

Stressing the need for forgiveness, Daodu encouraged the RUGIPO boss to let go of possible past grievances and work with an open mind, saying that harbouring resentment could hinder progress and unity, and that reconciliation is essential for building a cooperative working environment.

Highlighting the temporary nature of leadership positions, Daodu reminded the rector to view his office as transient. He advised him to make the most of his tenure by addressing existing challenges and doing all within his power to correct any perceived wrongs. This, he said, would leave a lasting legacy of integrity and service at the end of his tenure.

The cleric further called on the rector to remain accessible and attentive to the concerns of staff members by listening to their grievances and showing empathy towards their struggles, noting that understanding the needs of employees and providing such needs promptly are keys to fostering trust and improving institutional productivity.

While praying for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the success of his administration, Daodu appealled to him to settle all the contending issues that led to the protracted strike in the polytechnic, saying implementation of the minimum wage structure for the workforce is one one the major components of good workers welfare.

In his reaction, the Acting Rector, Dr Lawson appreciated the governor for his appointment.  While pledging his loyalty, he also appealed to the government to continue to pay adequate attention to the institution's peculiar challenges.

He called on the staff of the polytechnic to resume work immediately in other to reciprocate the goodwill of the government, provide enabling environment for full academic activities and for the government's committee on implementation of minimum wage to begin their sittings without hindrance.

Earlier, the Chaplain of the polytechnic, Rev. Rufus R. Awoniyi described Lawson's appointment as a divine arrangement that portends great developments for the institution. He called of all stakeholders to give him maximum support to enable him secure all our outstanding benefits form government.