By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Anambra State Chapter, Comrade (Sir) Humphrey Emeka Nwafor, has described the year 2025 as a year to celebrate the love of God for humanity.
In his New Year Message, Comrade Nwafor said, ‘On behalf of the State Executive Council (SEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress, I extend very warm New Year greetings to all Anambra State workers, especially those of the working-class family, and, indeed, to all women and men of goodwill all over the state.
‘This New Year will be to celebrate the love of God for humanity – a love that was profoundly expressed by the birth of the Saviour. The sights and sounds of the first Noel convey most powerfully the reason for the season,’ he said.
On the recently celebrated Christmas, he said, ‘The appearance of the angels, the swathing of great lights of glory, the announcement of good tidings of great joy, the discovery of Baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes and the outbreak of Hosanna from the heavenly host chorusing “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth, peace and goodwill towards men” is the summary of Christmas which signifies the love of God that births the light of hope for all humanity.
‘This Christmas, we urge Anambra State workers and people to resonate in the light of hope birthed by the love of God conveyed through the birth of His son Jesus Christ. It is the illumination of this hope that inspires confidence in our hearts that however turbulent the year might have been for you, light would certainly emerge and shine at the end of our tunnel.
‘Christmas sublime message. It is only prudent that we take sinew from the knowledge that the darkest night usually births the brightest mornings. We believe that Anambra’s brightest morning is just ahead of us. Again, I wish you all a memorable Christmas lighted with hope,’ he concluded.
On 2024 Public Civil Service Day, the Chairman of NLC, hailed the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, for the prompt implementation of the 2024 Minimum Wage of 82,000 Naira.
Delivering a vote of thanks shortly after the celebration of the 2024 Public Service Day at Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka, the NLC boss enjoined workers to continue to strive to give corresponding value to the Service, urging them to keep hope alive.
‘We are especially thankful for the prompt implementation of the 2024 minimum wage of N82, 000, making Anambra State one of the first in the country to do so. Your leadership has ensured that our state remains a beacon of progress, particularly as we are the only state in the Southeast to implement this wage without any strike notice from organized labour.
‘We commend you for fostering a strong and cordial relationship between the organized labour and the state government, a synergy that has cultivated robust industrial harmony. This achievement is a testament to the effective coordination of our visionary Head of Service who has skillfully navigated issues to enhance collaboration between labour and government.
‘Mr. Governor, please be assured of our unwavering support as we work together to propel our state forward. Your magnanimity and dedication to the welfare of workers will not be forgotten. We appreciate your willingness to listen to our concerns, and we remain hopeful that you will continue to address our demands with patience and understanding,’ Nwafor concluded.
