NIGERIAN
workers trouped out today at their different state capitals to mark this year's
Workers Day with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State saying that with the
dwindling revenue from the Federation Accounts, there was the need for workers
to readjust to the present economic realities. Read more at:
Addressing
multitude of workers in Asaba who came out under the aegis of the Trade Union
Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Governor Okowa took time
to tackle all the issues raised by the Union leaders and called for
understanding in line with the current economic situation of the country.
"It
is pertinent to note that most misunderstanding between government and workers
stems mainly from breakdown in communication, which can often be resolved
through dialogue and in this regard, I commend the Nigeria Labour Congress and
the Trade Union Congress, including their affiliate unions in the State, for
the sustained understanding and co-operation," the Governor said.
"I
need to remind all of us of the need to come to terms with the reality of our
situation, especially of the dwindling federal revenue allocation." He
emphasised.
While
stating that the financial realities has called for prudent management of
funds, Governor Okowa asserted, "we should appreciate the fact that our
obvious falling finances notwithstanding, this administration has done much in
the areas of provision of qualitative education, effective healthcare service,
urban renewal and roads construction among others; it is my hope and
expectation that government will continue to enjoy the goodwill of workers in
the steady march towards the achievement of our sustainable development
objectives."
The Governor
who attended the May Day celebration with his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro,
members of the National Assembly, state House of Assembly and retinue of top
government functionaries lauded the good relationship that exists between the
NLC and TUC in the state, noting that such was good for the workers and
government.
"The
prevailing cordial industrial relations in the State have encouraged government
to sustain its welfare and training programmes; let me assure you all of this
administration’s policy of investment in the wellbeing and professional growth
of workers through training and exposure to modern techniques," the
Governor stated.
Chairman
of the NLC in the state, Comrade David Ofoeyeno who was represented by first
vice chairman of the Union, Comrade Jonathan Jemiereyigbe assured Governor
Okowa of the continued support of workers in the state saying, "let me on
behalf of the organised labour in the state, express our profound appreciation
to you for the giant strides your government has made so far in touching the
lives of Deltans through your SMART agenda."
He
described the theme for this year's celebration, "the working class and the
quest for socio-economic revival' as carefully selected to reflect the present
situation of workers of this country find themselves," while the Chairman
of the TUC in the state, Comrade Lawson Efenudu said, ”the administration of
Governor Okowa has performed creditably well in service delivery with regard to
its SMART agenda of wealth creation and provision of enabling environment for
investors through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement for the
social and economic development of our dear state, most importantly, regular
payment of worker's salaries in the state public service which is a headache to
many states in the country."
The
occasion featured march past by affiliate unions to NLC and TUC with Governor
Okowa taking the salute.
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