The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has charged Nigerian workers to imbibe the spirit of selfless service, diligence, hardwork, sincerity and integrity in whatever they do while serving their fatherland.
The Governor pointed out that it is imperative for the nation’s workforce to inculcate virtue of good character while discharging their constitutional responsibilities in their various capacities.
Aregbesola stated this at the 75th Birthday celebration of Comrade Hassan Sunmonu, organised by the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress at the Aurora event centre in Osogbo.
He described NLC as a veritable instrument to entrench good governance, noting that the time has come for Nigeria workers to rally round the present administration in achieving positive change.
The Governor held that the role of Nigeria’s workers in the history of economic sustainability and good governance could not be over-emphasised, adding that the current administration needs the support of all, especially workers to succeed.
He called on the leadership of NLC to extend their supports and cooperation to the government at the centre especially by establishing an harmonious relationship that will bring about the required transformation.
He said Comrade Sunmonu has served Nigeria Labour Congress, Nigeria, Africa and the entire world meritoriously with passion, commitment and utmost dedication.
“This is the 75th birthday celebration of the father of contemporary unionism in Nigeria, who has been imparting excellence, selfless service to our nation’s building.
“Comrade has lived a very momentous 75 years, every day of it filled with mission, passion, service and integrity. This makes true the undying words of late American President, Abraham Lincoln, that ‘In the end it’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years’.
“Though his emergence as leader of NLC in 1978 was not without some trepidations in labour circles but his tenure was a mega success. He laid the foundation for the unionism of the body and created the template of their engagement with the government and sundry employers.
“It is on record that he brought many graduates and intellectuals to the NLC, a practice that has endured till today. Another legacy of his at the NLC was making the government to recognise May 1 of every year as Workers’ Day and declare it a public holiday”. Aregbesola said.
Earlier, the National President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba described the 75th anniversary of Comrade Hassan Sunmonu as a very productive and fruitful leader.
Comrade Wadda said the history of commitment and dedication to the cause of NLC could be traced to the fundamental rules, disciplines, policies and professional ethics being enshrined and streamlined by the erstwhile NLC president.
He said, “the role of workers in the process of change requires commitment, transparency, honesty and sincerity as there is also a need to change from the old perspective to positive perspective.
“Inarguably, NLC is a role model to Nigerian politicians which has in the last 45 years provided good leadership.
“The good records made so far as has brought productive, diligent and hard-working workers in Nigeria and this has about development to the strength of workforce in Nigeria.
He commended the septuagenarian for his tireless efforts towards the genuine selfless service to mankind, adding that his contributions to nation’s building and national development can never be over-emphasised.
In his remarks, the septuagenarian and celebrant, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for allowing him witnessing a productive 75th fruitful years on earth.
He applauded Governor Aregbesola for aggressively developing the state, saying his good governance has been tremendously been felt in every nook and cranny of the state.
He said, “when we talk of change, Aregbesola is the man. When we talk of development, he is the initiator. When we equally talk of changing the face of economy, Aregbesola has done a lot in this respect.
