By Junaid Abdullahi
Despite the hash economic situation compounded by petrol scarcity across the nation, organized labour and afliated unions converged at Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, New Iyin road. Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
The State workers in their numbers joined their counterparts across the nation, to mark the 2024 Workers’ Day.
In his keynote address, the Chairman Nigeria Labour Congress, Ekiti State Chapter, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde called on the Ad-hoc committee set-up by the State Government on minimum wage and on Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery to see to the plight of all the affiliated members of the Labour Union across the state in order to enhance the performance of the workers to a greater high.
He noted that workers are optimistic with the way the President Bola Tinubu led administration is running the affairs of the nation saying that there would be light at the end of the tunnel for the Nigerian workers, before the end of his administration.
He expressed hope that the government would prioritise workers’ welfare first, so as to cushion the effects of present economy realities, as it would also go a long way to affect other Nigerians positively.
Speaking in similar vein, the Chairman Trade Union Congres of Nigeria (TUC) Ekiti State Council, Comrade Sola Adigun, remarked that this year’s May Day celebration allowed workers to x-ray the collective lives of the state workers, the polity and the governance of the country.
He stated that the celebration offered an opportunity for workers to discuss the pain of the current economic realities in the country which has greatly impacted negatively on the citizens of the country including Ekiti State.
Comrade Adigun added that he was relieved that despite their predicament, His Excellency and other dignitaries turned out in mass to mark the day like his counterparts in other States noting that the Governor has truly shown patriotism, courage selflessness by the gesture.
Responding, the State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji in his speech at the event promised continuous protection of workers’ right for improved productivity in order to achieve the overall prosperity for the state at large.
While addressing the workers on need to reciprocate the government’s commitment to their wellbeing. The Governor said, he wants the workers to reciprocate the good gesture of the State Government by being more dedicated and committed. The workers should work tirelessly and vigorously for the salaries they earn praying that God shall reward them in turn.
The event was attended by top government officials,
Part of the highlights of the event include march past by members of formal and informal sectors of the workers in the state which included members of the Nigerian Union Of Local Government Employees (NULGE), members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (FIRS) Unit, Professional Football Association of Nigeria (PFAN), among many others trooped out in their large numbers to celebrate this year’s May worker’s day in Ekiti State.
