Abakaliki: Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has announced a N10,000 May-Day celebration gift to the workers in the state. Nwifuru made the disclosure at the occasion of the May-Day in Abakaliki on Thursday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the 2025 Workers' Day is tagged: 'Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship'. The governor described the workers as the 'engine room' of government and pledged his continued support to their well-being. He emphasized that he will remain indebted to the workers in the state and assured that under his watch, workers will remain a symbol of excellence. He noted that the May-Day celebration reflects the workers' contributions to nation-building and acknowledged the challenges they face. He committed his administration to tackling these challenges and promoting a conducive civic space for workers, urging everyone to stay united as partners in progress for a better Ebonyi.
Earlier, Prof. Ogugua Egwu, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Mr. Chidi Igboji of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), in a joint address, commended Nwifuru for the implementation of the N75,000 minimum wage. They, however, expressed concern over the delay in deploying shuttle buses to the state secretariat, Centenary City. The unions also highlighted the serious need for improved housing projects due to the high cost of rent in the state and requested more housing estates for their members. Additionally, they stressed the need to increase the pension of retirees as is obtainable in other parts of the country, and to equip government offices in the secretariat.