The Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has assured the people of Abia State that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully aware of Nigeria’s challenges and has developed practical strategies to address them.
During a series of meetings with key stakeholders in Abia State, Onyejeocha encouraged the people to remain hopeful and trust the Tinubu administration.
She met with representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress, Christian Association of Nigeria, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, and also engaged with traditional rulers at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The minister emphasized that President Tinubu is committed to eradicating hunger and empowering Nigeria’s youth, assuring that efforts are being made to enable sustainable livelihoods, according to ThisDay.
She revealed that the Ministry of Labour has initiated a new program aimed at empowering young Nigerians by helping them acquire practical skills for self-reliance. This, she said, would significantly reduce unemployment and hunger while transforming many job seekers into employers of labor.
Onyejeocha further addressed labour leaders, assuring them that the government would continue to prioritize workers’ welfare. She highlighted the recent increase in the national minimum wage to N70,000, stating that it would be periodically reviewed in accordance with the country’s economic situation. The minister emphasized that the Labour Ministry would keep track of President Tinubu’s promises to workers and ensure their fulfillment.
Additionally, Onyejeocha urged the Nigeria Labour Congress to foster a harmonious relationship with the government, free from strikes, to promote productivity and efficient service delivery. She also praised the leadership of the various groups for their contributions to the discussions.
In their responses, the leaders of the groups expressed their appreciation for the minister’s engagement. Comrade Ogbonnaya Okoro, the NLC Chairman in Abia, thanked Onyejeocha for her efforts to improve workers’ welfare and her maturity in handling industrial crises. Mr. Ndudim Ikeluwa, the state chairman of the All Farmers Association, also commended the minister for recognizing the importance of farmers and requested federal assistance in providing farm inputs, credit facilities, fertilizers, and modern equipment to enhance commercial farming in the state. Ikeluwa noted that Abia’s arable land supports the cultivation of various crops but requires government intervention for large-scale farming to become viable.
Earlier, during her engagement with traditional rulers, Onyejeocha appealed to them to support the government in addressing insecurity in the region by maintaining peace in their communities. Following the meetings, she expressed optimism about the discussions, stating that the concerns and requests raised by the various groups would be communicated to President Tinubu.
