Workers Are the Backbone of Delta’s Progress, Says Oborevwori at 2025 May Day Celebration
ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has described workers as the engine driving the wheel of government’s progress, assuring that his administration remains firmly committed to policies that uplift and empower them despite prevailing economic challenges.
Speaking during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held on Thursday in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, said May Day is not merely a day of festivity but a solemn moment to reflect on the shared struggles and aspirations of Nigerian workers. “It is a time for renewal of our collective commitment to building a Delta State and a Nigeria where every worker is valued, empowered, and rewarded,” he said.
The governor commended the resilience of Delta workers—civil servants, teachers, healthcare professionals, artisans, farmers, and private sector employees—describing them as the “backbone of our progress.” He emphasized that under his M.O.R.E. Agenda, his administration has prioritized worker welfare through prompt salary and pension payments, the clearing of pension arrears, investment in workplace upgrades, renovation of schools and healthcare centres, and the rollout of entrepreneurship and job creation initiatives.
Oborevwori said the theme of this year’s Workers’ Day, “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” was both timely and powerful, calling it a rallying cry for deeper civic engagement. “Even in the face of adversity, we must reclaim our rights, amplify our voices, and fully engage in the civic processes that govern our lives,” he stated. He also highlighted the introduction of a whistle-blower policy with a dedicated phone line to promote transparency and protect workers who report corruption and abuse.
Earlier, in a joint address, the state chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Martins Bolum, called for unity among workers in the face of economic hardship, urging them to stand firm in reclaiming their civic space and defending their rights. The celebration featured a colourful match-past by various trade unions, showcasing the strength, discipline, and solidarity of the Nigerian workforce.
