INTRODUCTION
As Workers in Kogi State mark the twenty twenty six May Day celebration, Samuel Atuluku, the Director News and Publications, Ministry of Information and Communications, examines the leadership prowess of the State NLC Chairman, Comrade Gabriel Amari
In the journey of life, success is not measured by any other thing, but by the goals and objectives set and achieved.
This is the description of the Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Kogi State Council, Comrade Gabriel Amari, a man who’s tenure has attracted positive changes in the State Labour Matters.
As a Council, the NLC under Comrade Amari has worked superlatively in tandem with the aspirations of the national leadership which of course is in line with the global declaration.
Obviously, every organization has its set goals, meaning that the NLC has specific objectives which includes giving the workers, both formal and informal sectors, the opportunity to contribute to national growth and development through demanding for favourable environment.
Since assumption of office therefore, Comrade Gabriel Amari as Chairman of the organized labour in Kogi State has not left anyone in doubt as to what is expected of a leader.
This he further demonstrated by ensuring continuity and consolidation having taken over from a labour guru, and one who has optimally defined what labour should be, Comrade Onuh Edoka who is now the Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters.
The impulse of his decision to consolidate and continue from where his predecessor stopped was anchored on the principle of development sustainability which any responsive leader should imbibe.
Apparently, and from the records, Comrade Amari in his maiden speech, emphasized that his leadership will work in line with the concept of collective bargaining which he noted was a major tool and strategy in labour cum government administration and agitation.
According to him, strike should not be seen as a major tool while agitating for workers improved welfare and general well-being, rather, round table discussions and negotiations should suffice.
The Comrade Gabriel Amari led-administration of Kogi NLC has been able to sustained maximum peace within its publics, both internal and external, that is, both Within the State Executive Committee, SEC, and the State Administrative Council, SAC, thereby, witnessing a serine atmosphere across board, including a perfect labour/government relationship.
It is important to note also that Comrade Amari within the period under review, has attained the restoration of one hundred percent salary payment to Local Government Workers, Primary School Teachers and indeed, pension for local governments Pensioners, a feat which of course, seemed impossible.
Equally, he has been able to secure the implementation of promotions cash backing up to twenty twenty two as well as successful signing of MOU and commencement of Health Insurance Scheme for State workers.
Furthermore, it is no longer news that the implementation of the Seventy two thousand, Five Hundred Naira Minimum wage for workers across board was realized under his watch.
The restoration of payment of Leave bonus to both State and Local Government Workers and Primary School teachers remain a milestone in the history of the State, particularly as previous governments has paid deaf ear to it.
Also, under Comrade Gabriel Amari, there was the signing of MoU and commencement of Health Insurance Scheme for Local Government Workers, Primary School Teachers and Pensioners, a measure that is seen as a major breakthrough, providing affordable health for the down troden, particularly the retirees who are seen as most expectant of such.
In order to add value to leadership, the NLC Chairman has ensured that there is a departure from the past in adding colour to May Day Celebrations by providing clothes such as T Shirts and Cap for Chairmen and Secretaries of Industrial Unions as well as government officials.
On a similar note, he has ensured the recognition of past labour leaders and veterans with the offer of awards and post hummus awards to those who have passed on, a measure seen as acknowledging their contributions in the past towards bringing the labour to its present status.
The story of Comrade Amari cannot be complete without identifying his role of yearly sponsorship of International Women’s Day, the NLC Women Committee, thereby giving the women in the labour a sense of belonging.
An innovation that will place Comrade Amari above his contemporaries is the ongoing construction of NLC Kitchen and Bar within the premises which is already at ninety percent completion stage.
Since it will not be possible to achieve all within an administration, it is only right that the much being done by the Amari led administration should be appreciated, particularly when considering the fact that no labour dispute has been declared so far under his reign, but with an improvement in workers welfare, thereby justifying his stance that strike is not the ultimate.
Equally and happily, it should be noted that the achievements of the Chairman could not have been possible without the genuine contribution of the Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Comrade Onuh Edoka, the bridge between the government and the labour, working tirelessly to see that there is no loophole whatsoever.
At this juncture, it may be expedient to note that the present administration is gradually changing the narrative, by doing things differently, upholding workers welfare and offering more hope, an indication that the administration in Kogi State is actually being driven and propelled by past labour leaders.
Also, it is important to suggest that the Ododo led administration should not be detterd in doing good, bearing in mind that whatever a man soes, he will reap, meaning that workers will reciprocate at the right time.
As workers mark this years May Day, there is no doubt that they are expectant of many things, payment of Leave bonus, pending promotions since 2023 to date, improved gratuity payment, intra city transportation system, etc.
Most importantly, it is now expected that the Ododo led administration should begin a housing Estate for workers which should be named ODODO HOUSING ESTATE, this will be one of the legacy projects for workers and by do doing, the Governor would have written his name in gold.
No doubt, the Comrade Gabriel Amari leadership is doing well according to records and survey, it is now hoped that with continued synergy with the Special Adviser on Labour Matters and the government, there would an improved environment and welfare for the workforce, all for the sake of humanity.
– Samuel Atuluku
Director News and Publications,
Ministry of Information and Communication.
