Labour leaders in Kogi State have commenced a statewide security sensitisation and engagement programme aimed at equipping workers with practical measures to prevent attacks, banditry and kidnapping in and around their workplaces.
The initiative, organised by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Kogi State Governor on Labour Matters in collaboration with the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, Joint Council and other grassroots-based unions, began in Okene and extended to the three senatorial districts of the state.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Comrade Onuh Edoka, said the programme is designed to complement Governor Ododo’s efforts in tackling insecurity across the state, particularly by ensuring that workers are adequately informed about basic security measures.
He urged workers to close security gaps at their workplaces by adopting simple but effective safety practices, including informing colleagues before leaving their duty posts and avoiding leaving workplaces alone, particularly in vulnerable and rural areas.
Comrade Edoka also highlighted the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, citing prompt payment of salaries, implementation of promotions, the continued suspension of personal income tax deductions over the last two years and the appointment of civil servants into government positions as gains of workers in the administration.
He further cited the recent donation of three buses to labour unions in the state as one of the gestures that has strengthened the relationship between the government and the organised labour.
The Special Adviser on Labour Matters therefore urged workers to reciprocate the government’s gestures by taking their responsibilities seriously and ensuring greater productivity and commitment to duty.
Similarly, the Kogi State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Gabriel Amari, expressed satisfaction with the handling of workers’ welfare by the government.
The NLC Chairman said workers’ interests have been given priority under Governor Ododo, maintaining that the administration deserves the support of the workforce to continue with what he described as its positive strides.
Other labour leaders from local government areas across the three senatorial districts also expressed appreciation for the government’s attention to workers’ welfare.
They commended the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for what they described as the establishment of a strong security foundation in the state, which they said the present administration is consolidating upon.
The workers also reaffirmed their commitment to peace, unity, productivity and quality service delivery, while calling for continued collaboration between the government and organised labour in addressing challenges confronting workers and communities across the state.
