Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka
Organized Labour in Anambra State has turned to prayers to express concerns over workers’ welfare and the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Leaders and members of the labour movement gathered on November 1 — All Saints’ Day — to pray for good governance, peaceful elections, and improved welfare packages for workers.
The prayer rally, which has become an annual tradition, was held at the Teachers’ House, behind the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Awka.
Addressing journalists, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Anambra State Council, Comrade Humphrey Nwafor, explained that the prayer rally began last year as a forum for workers to seek divine intervention in matters affecting their welfare.
“Last year, during the minimum wage negotiation, we reached a stage where we needed to brief our members on our engagement with the government. We decided to hold a prayer rally then, and it turned out well,” Nwafor said.
“After that, we resolved to sustain it every year, so that every November 1, we gather to present our issues before God as we enter a new year.”
Nwafor noted that the timing of this year’s rally was particularly significant because it coincided with the election season.
“This year’s event is special because Anambra will soon elect a new governor. We decided to commit the process and the political leaders into God’s hands,” he added.
“The Bible says the heart of the king is in God’s hands. Only God can touch the heart of leaders to remember workers and their welfare. We are praying that those in authority will listen to our proposals and understand the suffering of workers.”
He reaffirmed that November 1 would continue to be observed as Labour’s prayer day for the rest of his tenure and that of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
Ikengaonline gathered that four governorship candidates were invited to attend the prayer rally and interact with workers, but only the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) honoured the invitation.
“We invited the governor, but he told us he couldn’t attend due to campaign engagements,” Nwafor said.
“The committee also invited candidates from the APC, ADC, and YPP, but only the APC candidate came. The governor sent a text message apologizing and wishing us well. We hope that after the campaign, he will invite us for a meeting.”
The NLC chairman commended the state government for progress made in implementing the minimum wage and approving workers’ promotions but noted that some allowances and pension reviews were still pending.
“These are the issues we are placing before God,” he said.
“The minimum wage and promotions for 2022 to 2024 have been implemented, but the 2025 process is yet to commence. The governor has also promised to review pensions, and we believe he will keep his word. There are other allowances pending, but we’ve chosen not to raise dust now because of the election season.”
Nwafor urged workers to actively participate in the forthcoming governorship election, emphasizing that their votes could shape the future of the state.
Leading the interdenominational prayer session, Rev. Fr. Anthony Ezekannagha stressed the need to combine prayer with action. He reminded workers that while prayer is vital, responsible civic participation and personal discipline are equally important.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, urged workers to serve as “anti-apathy ambassadors” by mobilizing others to vote and engage meaningfully in the electoral process.
