Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has commended the leadership role, perseverance, solidarity and sacrifices of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress which has enabled hope among the people of the state.
Comrade Oshiomhole gave the commendation at MAY DAY RALLY held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, yesterday in Benin City.
Addressing the workers and organiised Labour Unions, Governor Oshiomhole who was represented by the Deputy-Governor, Rt. Hon.(Dr.)Pius Egberanmen Odubu said “The struggles of workers around the world have indeed come a long way since the 1st day of May 1904.
He said “one can not forget the dedication of the leadership of NLC, TUC, the perseverance, solidarity and sacrifices of so many others which has enabled the hope we have today as people in Edo State.
He noted “workers in Edo State have long yearned for change and with the change that took place at the national level in the 2015 general election that brought Gen. Buhari on board, it is believed that oil theft and corruption in the system will be drastically reduced.
“This will bring improvement in the economic fortunes of the state and Local Government Councils which will in turn translate to better life of Edo workers and the people in general.
Governor Oshiomhole maintained “this administration has been very responsive to its workers in the face of dwindling resources from the federation account through the prompt payment of salaries.
He highlighted some of the promises made and kept to include, the realization of the N18,000.00 minimum wage, additional 10 per cent increment in the salary relativity of health workers and other core civil servants, recall of over 900 sacked teachers who had issues with their primary school leaving certificates and age.
He said “workers who were erroneously retired from service due to Extension of service related issues have been recalled as well as the extension of service retirement age to be 60 years as the new bar for retirement from service in the state among others.
While regretting the continual reduction of resources from Federation Account, Governor Oshiomhole assured that his administration would sustain its developmental strides in the areas of school construction, roads and the building of the Ultra Modern Central Hospital in Benin City.
He congratulated the Nigeria Labour congress (NLC) for the successful elections into various offices at both the national and state levels and called on the new leadership to remain focused and committed to the development of Nigeria and Edo State Council in particular. Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Edo State, Council, Comrade Emmanuel Ademokun had expressed appreciation to the state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for the numerous welfare packages for workers in Edo State.
According to Comrade Ademokun, ‘Comrades, you will recall that during our celebration last year, a catalogue of pending issues of workers with the state government was presented to our Comrade Governor.
“I am pleased to inform you that the following issues have been met, all outstanding promotion of workers have been released up to 2012,workers salary are given prompt attention inspite of dwindling resources from Federation Account.
“The Comrade Governor graciously gave organized labour two (2) seats for permanent secretaries in the service and our nominees have been appointed permanent secretaries.
Comrade Ademokun however called on the state government to as a matter of urgency regularize the employment of casuals in the service of Edo State”.
On his part, the chairman Trade Union Congress, Edo State Council, Comrade Charles Oronsaye in his address at the MAY DAY celebration appealed to the Comrade Governor to increase the allocation of funds for payment of pension and gratuity to retirees to reduce the backlog of unpaid pensions and gratuity.
Comrade Oronsaye said “TUC Edo State Council acknowledges the on going promotion of workers in Edo State public service.
“However, we crave the indulgence of the comrade Governor to give approval for the year 2013 and 2014 promotion exercise in Edo State and pleaded that sacked members in SUBEB be reinstated.
Solidarity messages were delivered by NLC Advisory chairman Rev. Olu Adenigbigbe, president Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations (CONGOS) Comrade Jude Obasi and the representative of controller of Labour, Federal Ministry of Labour Edo State.
The2015MAY DAY celebration had as its theme: “The Working Class, Democratic Consolidation and Economic Revival: Chanting the way to National Re-Birth.

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