Comrade Pat. O. Okeranlen JP is the President, Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees, Edo state Chapter. He is a man who believes strongly that since Nigeria had experienced democracy for ten unbroken years, Nigerians have reasons to celebrate despite some inadequacies here and there.

He is also of the opinion that the military in Nigeria has discovered its role in terms of defending the constitution. Comrade Okeranlen, a man that is well known to have always struggled for better deal for workers informed Weekend Observer that a good foundation had already been laid for Edo NULGE by the former President of NULGE Edo State, Comrade Kaduna Eboigbedin.

Comrade Okeranlen commended Comrade Eboigbodin for his industry and tireless efforts that he made in terms of uplifting the standard of living of workers especially local government workers in Edo State.

According to Comrade Okeranlen, Comrade Eboigbodin did a lot for workers in terms of capacity building by preparing workers for retirement. On his part, Comrade Pat Okeranlen told Weekend Observer that his vision for local government workers was to uplift the welfare of workers through capacity building and the establishment of co-operative societies in local government areas where it has not been established.

Speaking on the issue of minimum wage for workers, Comrade Okeranlen said that the issue of a new minimum wage for workers was already receiving attention at national level even as he pointed out clearly that worker especially at the state level are not finding life easy because of the loan they took.

He expressed confidence in Governor Adams Oshiomhole whom he described as a listening and understanding governor. He recalled that Governor Adams Oshiomhole during the workers day celebration promised that if the federal government approves a living wage for workers, he would implement same for Edo workers who are passing through a very difficult time.

He, however, assured Edo workers that they would certainly smile adding that the present administration in the state sees the welfare of workers as paramount in the scheme of things. He also promised workers that as a labour leader in the state, local government workers would get nothing short of the best from his administration as the president of Edo State NULGE.

Comrade Okeralen advised workers to be hardworking even as he added that Nigerians have no other country that they can call their own. He commended the state government for the giant steps that it has taken towards developing Edo State, but advised that government should ensure that every policy it initiates has a human face. According to him, a social contrast exist between the people and government, adding that no government succeeds under face of the sun without carrying the people along.

Comrade Okeranen enjoined Edo people to be patient with the present administration even as he said that Governor Oshiomhole’s administration is busy laying the foundation for the overall development of Edo State.

He advised Edo citizens to shun every questionable conduct that is capable of portraying them in a bad light and asked them to massively support the Governor Oshiomhole’s administration to enable it succeed.