40th Anniversary: kieran tasks NLC on unity

By Dopse Eberefiak

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Akwa Ibom State Chapter has been tasked to remain united, stand firm and see the NLC as a platform to do what is right.

The Leader of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udo Kieran tasked the Akwa Ibom Chapter yesterday during her Dinner/Award night held in Uyo, which formed part of the activities to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of NLC.

He reminded them that whatever they do today counts for tomorrow stressing that it is only through coming together that they can rise as a voice to speak for the interest of workers in state and national issues.

Kieran who noted that the NLC has the capacity to enlightened government on the right path and make it work, appealed to the chapter to established a good working relationship with the state government.

While lauding the present leadership for keeping the flag flying, he said his doors are always open to them, adding that the leadership should always avail themselves of the opportunity as another channel the can reached the state government.

Speaking earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Comrade Cyril Icho said at forty, the welfare of workers should be paramount to NLC. "4o years is such a time that NLC should start looking at workers", he said.

 Icho who is a former State Secretary of NLC, Akwa Ibom State Chapter had however called on the state government to always provide an enabling environment for workers.

In her remarks, the Head of Civil Service, Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Ekereobong Akpan commended the leadership of the Akwa Ibom Chapter of NLC for putting the event together.

 She lauded the theme of the event which was "NLC: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow", adding that it is quite apt and relevant as it gives the opportunity for them to look back on how well they have contributed to the development of the State and Nigeria at large.

Ekereobong Akpan who was ably represented by Dr. Comfort Archibong tasked NLC to partner the state government and always used conventional approaches to make their stance known on issues.

While commending workers in the state, she also called on them to continue contributing their quotas meaningfully to the development of State. He urged them to reflect on the theme of the event with a view of making NLC great.

She assured that the state government shall continue to make the interest of workers paramount in its workings, provide enabling environment for them to operate and always resolved all welfare challenges facing workers and retirees.

On his part, the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Etim Ukpong thanked God for making the event a success. He said their gathering to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of NLC was to also give opportunity for sober reflection and addressed problems affecting workers, which he noted informed the choice of the theme "NLC: Yesterday, Today &Tomorrow".

He commended all those present and assured all inputs made will be put into consideration with the view of making NLC in the state better.

He however called on the state government to give more attention to public education, and workers in the state.

Meanwhile, the event had equally featured public lecture on the theme by Prof Desmond Wilson of Faculty of Arts, University of Uyo.

And also, the honoring of the following personalities; Rt. Hon. Udo Kieran,  Comrade Unyime Usoro, Comrade Comfort Umana, and Comrade Obong Ikpeobong with Awards of Excellence.

Also present were: The Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) Akwa Ibom State Council, Elder Patrick Albert, Commissioner for Labour and Productivity Akwa Ibom State, Hon (Barr) Ibanga Akpabio, Prof(Bishop) Isaiah Umana amongst others.