By Easy Ekoyatah

The Edo State chapter of Labour Party (LP) has congratulated Edo workers in particular and Nigeria in general on the occasion of the 2024 Workers’ Day Celebration.

According to the message signed by Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi, the immediate past president of National Union of Shop and Distributive Employees, an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), former Auditor and Assistant Secretary, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Edo State Council and Chairman of Edo State chapter of Labour Party, noted that the issues that led to the inaugural celebration of May Day in 1887 are still prevalent in Nigeria today.

“It must be stated abinitio that the events leading to the celebration of the May Day in 1887 are dominant today in Nigeria.”

Edo LP Chairman Ogbaloi pointed out that the contributory importance of the workforce to the economic growth, sustainability and advancement of any nation cannot be overemphasized, noting that no nation survives without its workforce and deplored the insecurity in Edo that has reduced agricultural production and stifled economic activities in the state.

According to him, “The insecurity generally across the length and breadth of Edo State is taking its toll on the workers and the citizens. People cannot sleep with their two eyes closed for fear of being kidnapped, killed or extorted. Life in Edo State has become short and unbearable.

“The high rate of inflation have put a deep hole in the pockets of workers and has rendered the minimum wage nugatory. The paradox of the Nigerian workers is that they create the wealth and are left out in the sharing of the wealth created by them. Thus the average Edo worker is poor, pauperized and dehumanized. Most workers cannot boast of a befitting building at the end of their meritorious services to Edo State.

“As we approach 21st September, 2024 gubernatorial election in Edo State, I strongly believe if Olumide Akpata, Labour Party governorship candidate, is voted as the next governor of Edo State, most workers will boast of a befitting building at the end of their meritorious service to Edo State.”


Going further, the president Emeritus of National Union of Shop and Distributive Employees, “Acknowledged the resilience of workers in the state despite the unstable foreign exchange rates and exponential inflation of the prices of goods and commodities; workers have shown their commitment to maintain an adaptive working attitude.”

He therefore seized the opportunity of this year’s Workers’ Day celebration to call on the Edo workers to be vigilant and avail themselves the opportunity to vote for credible leadership whenever they have the opportunity to do so at their various unions. He urged them to bring leaders on board who will be selfless, dedicated and passionate about their welfare.