OKOWA DESCRIBES LABOUR AS DEFENDERS OF WORKER’S WELFARE, PROMISES TO PAY NEW MINIMUM WAGE
OGHENETEJIRI NYERHOVWO 02/05/19
Labour unions have been described as great defenders of workers welfare just as the Delta State Government will pay her workers the N30,000.00 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Addressing organized labour made up ofTrade Union Congress(TUC) and the Nigerian Labour Congress(NLC) during the 2019 Workers Day Asaba, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State said that the efforts of Labour unions in promoting welfare of workers have not gone unnoticed.
According to Dr. Okowa, “the efforts of the trade unions towards the promotion of the interests of Nigerian workers have not gone unnoticed and I wish to reiterate the determination of the state government to pay workers the N30, 000 new minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.”
The Governor added, “I therefore call on workers in the state to re-dedicate themselves to the service of our beloved state for the benefit of all. The prevailing cordial industrial relations in the state have encouraged government to sustain its welfare and training programme; we have consistently paid salaries as at when due; 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.”
Dr. Okowa disclosed the determination of the state government to tackle the issue of unemployment, adding that his administration is making efforts to recall some of the employees that were dropped and is “determined to open up more skill acquisition opportunities for the absorption of our youths to train in various fields and trades for self-employment.”
The further added, “I commend the labour unions for consistently defending and advancing the political, economic and social rights of Nigerian workers; your efforts towards promoting the interests of Nigerian workers have not gone unnoticed and as partners in progress, I enjoin you (labour) to continue your hard work, resilience and commitment because, we are partners in this undertaking of governance and together, we will succeed in building a greater Delta State.”
Highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of a brand new car by Governor Okowa to a civil servant, Mr Benson Ekotor who was erroneously paid the sum of N53 million which he returned to the state government coffers.
Comr. Michael Nwobodo, Chairman, Trade Union Congress(TUC ) in the state and ,Comr. Goodluck Oforbruku, chairman, Nigeria Labour (NLC ) in their speeches expressed appreciation to Governor Okowa for being labour-friendly just as they listed some of his administration’s activities to include prompt payment of salaries.
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