~ CALLS FOR STRONGER LABOUR LAWS TO PROTECT WORKERS
Valentine Ozigbo, the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) frontrunner in the race for Anambra governorship, has highlighted the contributions of the Nigerian workforce to the development of the country, describing them as "immensely valuable".
In a statement issued from his Udoka Estate Campaign Office in Awka, Anambra State, on Saturday, May 1, 2021, in commemoration of this year's International Workers' Day, Mr Ozigbo regretted the unfair treatment workers receive from the government and employers in the country.
While acknowledging the resilience and dedication of Nigerian workers, Ozigbo, who is the immediate past President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Plc, called for stronger labour laws that protect workers from abuses such as delayed payments of salaries, pensions and other entitlements.
The respected business leader also outlined his 'Ka Anambra Chawapu' agenda to improve the lives of Anambra workers, pledging that if elected, he would be their strongest ally.
"Nigerian workers deserve every commendation as we mark this year's May Day to honour their contribution to the development of our nation," Ozigbo said.
"Despite the unfriendly work conditions of our workers, they have remained committed and dedicated to their role of providing services to our country and growing our economy.
"Situations where workers are on unending industrial action, denied their salaries when due, pensioners are being owed their pensions, and employers mistreat workers and trample on their fundamental human rights are grossly unfair and unacceptable to me.
"Our National Assembly needs to unite in enacting labour laws that match the unique challenges of the 21st-century workplace.
"I congratulate Nigerians workers and pray for more strength and courage to keep fighting the good fight for the nation," he said.
Ozigbo, who is widely regarded as a frontrunner for the upcoming November gubernatorial poll, provided a glimpse into what his administration would do to improve the condition of workers in the southeastern state.
He also stressed that investment in people is a critical component of his manifesto, which he tagged 'Ka Anambra Chawapu Manifesto'.
"If I am given the mandate to serve Ndi Anambra as their governor, I will immediately marshal out a plan to upskill and upgrade government workers," he said.
"Under my administration, workers would have a strong ally in Government House as their well-being and development would be a key priority.
"We would integrate workers into the process of policy-making. As a result, workers will not be treated as adversaries to the government but as allies and partners in building a better and brighter Anambra.
"We will create the happiest workforce in Nigeria and restore the pride of the Anambra worker," Ozigbo promised.
Ozigbo also charged workers to use the occasion of Workers' Day to reflect on the nation's state and come up with strategies on bringing lasting solutions to the issues that bedevil the country.
Valentine Ozigbo is one of Nigeria's most recognisable philanthropists who channels his charity work through his foundation, Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation. He resigned from his seat on the board of Transcorp Plc and those of its subsidiaries, Transcorp Hotels Plc and Transcorp Power Limited to focus on his next chapter in public service.