The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library
(OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State has laid off a large chunk of its
workforce in one of the latest fallouts of the coronavirus
pandemic.
Some of the affected workers were asked to stay at home until
further notice.
Head, Human Resources, Administration and Procurement of the
organisation, Olanike Ogunleye, in a letter sighted by our
correspondent, said the COVID-19 crisis has made it impossible to
sustain the workforce.
She said: “As you are aware, the current COVID-19 pandemic has
taken a toll on all our businesses significantly. This has resulted
in making some difficult business decisions.
“Due to this situation, we regret to inform you that your
employment will be put on hold till further notice.
“This temporary cessation is effective from 31st May, 2020 and
until business picks up and you are recalled back to work.
“Please note that you are not eligible for any payment during
this period of cessation.”
The Managing Director of OOPL, Vitalise Ortese, while responding
to reporters’ inquiry, said the complex had been struggling to
survive since the outbreak of COVID-19.
The hospitality arm, he said, recorded zero patronage in
March.
He, however, took exception to reports in some online platforms
that the management “sacked its workers.”
He said: “We didn’t sack anybody. It was clearly stated there,
temporary cessation.
“We have not made a kobo since March 16 or thereabouts. No
bailout and we didn’t get palliative from the government. How do we
pay salaries? It’s normal we have to allow people go
temporarily.
“It happens everywhere. Banks are laying off and other
organisations have asked people to go home.
“Everyone is affected, including me. All members of staff are
affected.
“Obasanjo’s children are affected, even Obasanjo himself is
affected.”
The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library
(OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State has laid off a large chunk of its
workforce in one of the latest fallouts of the coronavirus
pandemic.
Some of the affected workers were asked to stay at home until
further notice.
Head, Human Resources, Administration and Procurement of the
organisation, Olanike Ogunleye, in a letter sighted by our
correspondent, said the COVID-19 crisis has made it impossible to
sustain the workforce.
She said: “As you are aware, the current COVID-19 pandemic has
taken a toll on all our businesses significantly. This has resulted
in making some difficult business decisions.
“Due to this situation, we regret to inform you that your
employment will be put on hold till further notice.
“This temporary cessation is effective from 31st May, 2020 and
until business picks up and you are recalled back to work.
“Please note that you are not eligible for any payment during
this period of cessation.”
The Managing Director of OOPL, Vitalise Ortese, while responding
to reporters’ inquiry, said the complex had been struggling to
survive since the outbreak of COVID-19.
The hospitality arm, he said, recorded zero patronage in
March.
He, however, took exception to reports in some online platforms
that the management “sacked its workers.”
He said: “We didn’t sack anybody. It was clearly stated there,
temporary cessation.
“We have not made a kobo since March 16 or thereabouts. No
bailout and we didn’t get palliative from the government. How do we
pay salaries? It’s normal we have to allow people go
temporarily.
“It happens everywhere. Banks are laying off and other
organisations have asked people to go home.
“Everyone is affected, including me. All members of staff are
affected.
“Obasanjo’s children are affected, even Obasanjo himself is
affected.”