NULGE Urges Improved Workers’ Welfare, Inaugurates New Enugu Leadership
The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has called on governments at all levels to improve workers’ welfare packages, stressing that enhanced motivation would translate into increased productivity and accelerated economic growth.
The President-General of NULGE,Aliyu Haruna Kankara, made the call during the inauguration of newly elected members of the Enugu State Administrative Council led by Udoagha Ani.
Represented by the Vice President-General(South East), Lambert Onuigbo, Kankara acknowledged the concerns expressed by several state governors over the ongoing agitation for improved wages but urged governments to prioritise workers’ welfare despite prevailing economic challenges.
According to him, Governor Peter Mbah has consistently demonstrated commitment to workers’ welfare and should sustain efforts aimed at creating a more enabling environment for the workforce.
“A motivated workforce remains the engine room of development. Governments must continue to invest in workers’ welfare because improved welfare translates directly into higher productivity, better service delivery and economic growth,” he said.
Gangara also charged the newly inaugurated officials to regard their emergence as a call to service rather than an avenue for personal enrichment.
“Leadership in unionism is about sacrifice, accountability and commitment to members’ welfare. The confidence reposed in you must be justified through selfless service and effective representation of workers’ interests,” he added.
In his goodwill message, the immediate past State President of NULGE, Kenneth Ugwueze, urged members to avoid rumour-mongering and blackmail against union leaders, noting that criticism should be constructive.
“No leadership can succeed in an atmosphere of distrust and misinformation. Members should support their leaders while holding them accountable through established channels,” he said.
Ugwueze further advised the new executives to remain focused on constructive engagement with government authorities in pursuit of improved welfare for workers.
“The essence of unionism is dialogue, negotiation and results. Remain committed to the welfare of members without unnecessary confrontation,” he stated.
Responding, the newly inaugurated State President, Ani, thanked members for the confidence reposed in him and his team, assuring them of purposeful and inclusive leadership.
“This mandate is a responsibility, not a privilege. We shall work tirelessly to protect the interests of our members and strengthen collaboration with government for the benefit of local government workers across Enugu State,” he said.
Ani pledged to maintain open channels of communication with the state government to ensure that workers’ concerns receive the attention they deserve.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Enugu State Council, Obinna Ogbuka, commended NULGE for organising what he described as a peaceful and well-coordinated transition.
“The orderly conduct of this inauguration reflects the unity and maturity within NULGE. We look forward to strengthening the longstanding relationship between NUJ and NULGE for the advancement of workers and society,” he said.
The inauguration ceremony was conducted by the National Deputy Secretary-General of NULGE, Ayo Dele, who administered the oath of office on members of the new State Administrative Council.
Those inaugurated include Dr Obeta Jinas (Deputy State President), Amb. Ogechukwu Ugwu (Chairperson), Jude Umeh (Treasurer), Edith Otti (Trustee), Felix Obasi (Trustee), Joseph Nnamani (Auditor), George Ngwu (Auditor), Charles Nwelem (Public Relations Officer), Kenechukwu Chinwe (Welfare Officer), Ifeanyi Mark Ezeja (Welfare Officer), Joseph Okwor (Welfare Officer) and Chukwuma Uwaezuoke (Young Workers’ Representative).
The event was witnessed by several union elders and stakeholders, including former State President of NULGE and State NLC official, C. C. Ujam, former State Trustee, Raphael Eze, as well as chairmen of NULGE branches across the state.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
