Francis Tayor
The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Delta State, yesterday marked the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in a grand and colourful ceremony held at the Cenotaph, Asaba, the state capital. The event witnessed massive participation as workers from all the twenty-five (25) local government councils converged in Asaba to celebrate labour, resilience, and unity.
The historic event was chaired by His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, and attracted dignitaries from all walks of life, including labour leaders, government officials, and notable stakeholders, underscoring the significance of workers to the socio-economic development of Delta State.
Speaking at the occasion, the National President of NULGE, Nigeria, Higj Comrade Aliyu Haruna Kankara and the Delta State President of NULGE, High Comrade Ogberititinor Obatarhe, commended the workaholic Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his responsiveness to the welfare needs of workers. They applauded the Governor for maintaining a cordial relationship with labour and for his prompt implementation of NULGE’s demands aimed at improving workers’ welfare.
Key achievements highlighted include the regular payment of workers’ salaries, the settlement of ₦40 billion covering six years’ arrears of pensioners’ gratuities, and the prompt implementation of the new minimum wage, among other worker-friendly initiatives.
The celebration featured an impressive march-past by the 25 local government councils, reflecting unity and solidarity among workers. The highlight of the event was the raffle draw, which produced a brand-new South African Toyota car as the star prize, alongside other items such as freezers, a 3.8 KVA generator, and a standing fan, all won by deserving workers.
In addition to the star prizes, consolation prizes were presented to staff who won raffle draws at their respective councils but did not emerge as star prize winners. Furthermore, the event recognised diligence and discipline with the presentation of consolation prizes to the most punctual staff in each of the 25 local government councils across the state, a gesture widely applauded by workers.
The event also witnessed the presentation of ₦200,000 cash awards each to twenty-five (25) recently retired local government staff across the state. The welfare gesture is part of a special retirement support scheme instituted by the Immediate Past State President of NULGE, Delta State, High Comrade Osita Ezeko Okwudi.
Also speaking, the Chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Comrade Wilson Asekutu appealed to the state government to consider the provision of low-cost housing schemes for local government workers. Responding on behalf of the Governor, the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, assured Labour that the government would look into the requests with a view to taking appropriate action.
At the close of the event, the Deputy State President of NULGE, Delta State, Comrade Cyril Ozegbe, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to the Delta State Government, labour leaders, and workers for their support and active participation, which contributed immensely to the success of the celebration.
Commending the success of the event, Engr. Yeigagha Henry, Former Branch Chairman of NULGE, Burutu Chapter, expressed appreciation to the Governor for providing an enabling environment for labour harmony. He also lauded the NULGE Delta State Executive Council for the excellent organisation of the event and the Branch Chairmen across the councils for effective mobilisation of workers that ensured a massive turnout at the Cenotaph.
The NULGE Workers’ Day Celebration 2025 stands as a testament to effective collaboration between government and labour in advancing workers’ welfare and strengthening industrial peace in Delta State.
