Today as we commemorate Workers’ Day (May Day), I extend warm greetings to the hardworking members of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) and to all Nigerian workers. Your dedication to service, your resilience in the face of challenges, and your unwavering commitment to the growth and development of our nation are truly commendable. Your labor whether in the formal or informal sector is the backbone of our economy and your contributions deserve our utmost appreciation and recognition.
As we celebrate your achievements and sacrifices, we also acknowledge the myriad challenges that you face. The rising cost of living, insecurity, and inflation have made your wages and take homes unsustainable yet not deterred you from your duties. Instead, these challenges have strengthened your resolve to push forward, to innovate, and to find solutions. Your perseverance is a testament to your strength and your dedication to your families, communities, and the nation at large. We commend your resilience and your ability to adapt and thrive despite the hardships.
To the women of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Women Commission and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Women, we offer special praise. Your efforts to advocate for workers’ rights, gender equality, and social justice are invaluable. You have been steadfast in your commitment to these causes, even in the face of adversity. Your work has not only improved the lives of workers but has also contributed to the broader struggle for human rights and dignity in our society. We celebrate your courage, your determination, and your unwavering commitment to justice and equality.
As we mark this Workers’ Day, we pray that your efforts and sacrifices will be rewarded. May your labor bear fruit, and may you enjoy the fruits of your hard work. May you be blessed with good health, prosperity, and peace. We also pray for a Nigeria to become a country where workers’ rights are respected, where justice and equality prevail, and where every individual can live with dignity and purpose.
In conclusion, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to all workers, particularly the members of NILOWV, for your tireless efforts and your unwavering commitment to our nation’s progress. May this Workers’ Day serve as a reminder of your value and your importance to our society. May it also inspire us all to work towards a brighter future for Nigeria, where every worker can thrive and contribute to the nation’s growth and development.
Signed
Irene Awunah-ikyegh
President, League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV)