We remain committed to workers welfare – Gov Ugwuanyi

Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has offered assurances that
his administration will remain committed to the welfare of its
workforce for the rapid development of the state.

Ugwuanyi spoke when he received members of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Enugu State chapter, on a courtesy visit to Government House, Enugu, in remembrance of 21 coal miners killed in Iva Valley on November 18, 1949, during their protest for improved wages.
The governor was represented at the occasion by the state Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Emeka Okeke

The governor said, “My message to the people of Enugu State is to remain committed to the ideals of this government. This government is a government committed to the welfare of the people of Enugu State since its inauguration on
May 29, 2015.”

Commending them for their patience and understanding, he added that he
was pleased with the synergy that exists between his government and
workers, and pledged he would always work to ensure the relationship
is nurtured by fulfilling his obligations to workers.

Earlier, the chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Enugu
State Chapter, Comrade Virginius Nwobodo, said the day will remain a
watershed moment for workers in the country, adding that the sacrifice
of the slain miners would never be forgotten.

He said, “It is very important because that singular act from the colonial
masters was a catalyst that moved the nationalists into action and
made them fight with vim and vigour like never before, resulting in
Nigeria’s independence on October 1, 1960.”

Urging all tiers of government to take workers welfare seriously,
Nwobodo said: “Workers are the pillars of our economic growth;
without the workers, there will be no economic growth. Workers are
doing their best to ensure that our democracy succeeds and should be
given priority.”

He commended Governor Ugwuanyi for running an inclusive government and
for his even spread of development across the state as well as regular
and prompt payment of workers salaries.

The courtesy visit was preceded by a series of activities including a
rally to commemorate the incident.

By Moses Oyediran, Enugu