May Day: You are life force of the nation, PDP tells workers

May Day – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has saluted Nigerian workers on the occasion of 2020 Workers’ Day celebration, describing them as the life force of the nation.

The party gave the commendations in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, on Thursday in Abuja to mark the workers day.

Ologbondiyan commended Nigerian workers for their sacrifices toward the well being of the nation, particularly at the critical time many of them were on the frontline against the spread COVID-19.

“The PDP hails the resilience of workers in the health and other essential services, who have continued to exhibit unequaled patriotism, despite the daunting challenges, in the overall effort to mitigate the health, economic and social impacts of the scourge.

“These citizens are indeed our national heroes.

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“The party notes that the Nigerian workers have continued to work hard in every sector to ensure the unity, stability and economic growth of our dear nation as well as standing as a strong voice for the entrenchment of equity, social justice and rule of law in the polity,” he said.

Ologbondiyan said it was depressing that the 2020 Workers Day came at a time when the world was on lockdown over the COVID-19 pandemic, but noted that such did not detract from the essence of the celebration.

He, however, urged workers not to deter in their commitment toward nation building.

Also Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, Chairman/ Chief Executive,  Genesis Worldwide Shipping Company, on Friday, lauded seaferers for sustaining international trade.

Iheanacho, a ship owner, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said seafarers deserved commendation for sustaining the economies of many countries, by moving essential commodities across the world.

He also pointed out the need to appreciate seafarers as the world celebrated workers day.

Iheanacho, also a master mariner, noted that seafarers made huge sacrifices while  working and staying for long periods away from their loved ones, even at such times as the COVID-19 pandemic when families stayed together.

“Ultimately, those who work on ships are the ones who are sustaining the world economy and so we need to recognise the sacrifice that seafarers are making.

“Without them contributing to the economy, we will not have the welfare that people strive to have.

“So, by working on ships, transporting the world’s international trade and making sure that economies stay oiled, they should be commended.

“The world owes them a lot, but unfortunately, their toil is not readily recognised, because just looking at it, you make an assumption that ships are moving and how can ships move if not for the people who work on them?” he asked.

He said seafarers who survived this difficult times with the transit of the pandemic all over the world, should be recognised, appreciated for the sacrifices they are making.

“Most of the times they make these sacrifices away from their families and loved ones, and so the need to ensure that we put in place the necessary facilities to ensure that their stay on board ships is made as comfortable as possible,” he said.