KOGI NLC DEDICATES INDUSTRIAL HARMONY AWARD TO FORMER DEPUTY GOVERNOR, ACHUBA.

By AKOR SYLVESTER-Abuja

The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kogi State branch, yesterday received corporate certificate of credence, issuance of ethical leadership and conduct compliance from a non-governmental organization, Centre for Ethics and Self-Value orientation.

This is as the organization inducted the State NLC Chairman, Comrade Onuh Edoka into the association hall of fame as an “Ethics and Integrity Compliance Ambassador (EICA)”.

The Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation is an international anti-corruption non-state actor with its operational Headquarters in Lokoja, Kogi State.

Kogi NLC were given the award having qualified amongst the top 10 highly rated most ethically responsible and least corrupt state councils of NLC in 2021/2022 across the 36 States of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territories.

Speaking shortly after receiving the award, the State NLC Chairman, Comrade Onuh Edoka dedicated the award to the immediate past Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Elder Simon Achuba for his leadership role in resolving the impasses between workers and the state government in 2016.

Edoka pointed out that against all odds, the former Deputy Governor ensured that the cry of workers was heard by the current administration even when some key players in Government decided to frustrate the harmonious relationship with the present administration.

He also mentioned the impact of the current Auditor General of Local Government, Usman Ododo, Auditor General of the State, Alhaji Okala Yakubu, and the state Accountant General Jibrin Momoh, adding that they all play a significant role in ensuring that Kogi workers regained confidence in their employers.

Edoka, however, promised to uphold the tenet of integrity, stressing that during and after his tenure in office, he will continue to add values to humanity.

According to him, NLC as a pan African organization will forever be devoid of sentiment, adding that his administration remains committed in the fight against corruption.

While recalling some of his ordeals struggling for the course of Worker in Kogi State, Comrade Edoka said ”a lot has happened. We were fighting for the course of workers while some people decided to sabotage it. Thank God for all the names I mentioned earlier who with the fear of God in their heart ensured that our struggle didn’t go in vain.

“Once again, on behalf of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), in Kogi State, we are dedicating this award to the former Deputy Governor Elder Simon Achuba. Also, we want to say a big thank you to the current Auditor General of Local Government, Usman Ododo, Auditor General of the State, Alhaji Okala Yakubu, and the state Accountant General Jebrin Momoh. You all are the heroes of Kogi Workers”.

He, however, used the occasion to call on the Kogi State Government to look into the welfare of workers in the State in view of the current economic inflation.

He said, things are biting harder for workers due to inflation, adding that, the government should try and emulate what was done by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwolu who recently put smiles in the faces of workers by increasing their salaries above the new minimum wage.

Earlier, the Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation, Prince Salih Musa Yakubu commended the NLC in Kogi State led by Comrade Onuh Edoka.

Yakubu posited that, out of the various unions in the state, the NLC leadership is one of the most persecuted, humiliated and traumatized by those who are against the progress of workers.

“We just want to say, thank you for the good work you and your entire team has done for the People and workers of Kogi State. Our organization has been in existence for the past 16 years.

“We are majored in conducting annual independent secret investigations and budget tracking using the instrumentality of conducting opinion polls, interviews with informants, distribution of multiple questionnaires and project site visitation without the knowledge of our targeted subject of assessment to avoid influence on our work.

“We expose corruption where necessary, appreciating those responsible for helping to change the narratives of mis-governance and corruption in both public and private sectors of Nigeria economy Thus, complementing our fight against corruption with the building of capacity of citizens towards eliminating the course of corruption in Nigeria.

“The whistle blowers of the centre who visited and conducted same exercise thrice on your organization and to 200 similar non-state-actors organizations across the states of the Federation amongst others have recommended you for the tripartite awards above hence the management approval,” he explained.

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