Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Professor Greg Ibe, has congratulated Abia workers on the celebration of the 2023 International Workers’ Day.
Professor Ibe in a goodwill message signed by his Director of Communication and Strategy, Rev. Sleek Ogwo, eulogised the Abia workforce for its consistency, dedication and commitment to the daunting task of developing the state in spite of glaring challenges.
“I specially commend the resilient Abia workforce for their legendary consistency, dedication and commitment to the daunting task of developing our state even in the face of many daunting challenges,” he said.
He hailed the innovative disposition of the organised labour in the state which according to him, “enables them to persevere and creatively deliver life enhancing solutions even when compelled to operate within a politically tainted toxic work environment that reeks of partisanship,”
He also paid glowing tribute specially to the unorganised labour particularly “traders, artisans, small and medium-sized entrepreneurs who through their ingenuity and industry, independently service and sustain the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the state thereby, making Abia the SME capital of Nigeria.”
“Without any doubt these largely uncelebrated members of the Abia workforce are the true heroes and heroines of our categorisation as the Japan of Africa,” Ibe said.
Recalling the role played by both organised and unorganised labour during the last election cycle in the state, Prof Ibe particularly commended the patriotic disposition of the entire Abia workforce, which according to him encouraged the birth of renewed hope in the state.
“Worthy of mention is the patriotic role played by the entire Abia workforce during the recently concluded election, which resulted in the renewed hope that currently pervades our state.
“I, therefore, earnestly entreat your synergy and harmony between the governing institutions and our workforce in order to create the required peaceful environment that will in turn precipitate the delivery of the desired new Abia that we are collectively yearning to see.”
