General News
NIGERIA workers we’re on Saturday advised not to give up hope in the face of daunting challenges as they joined their counterparts across the world to celebrate labor day, otherwise known as Workers’ Day.
Mr Peter Esele, former President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin.
Esele said this was because the road ahead for Nigerian workers was looking very rocky, in view of possible changes that would occur before the end of the year.
According to him, two things may likely happen before the end of the year.
“These are removal of fuel subsidy, and increase in electricity tariff, so the average Nigerian worker is buffeted at every turn with hardship.
“I wish I can give them lots of hope, but I will advice that they should not give up hope.
“But just keep the flag flying and as much as possible, stay safe, alive, do the best they can, and keep moving,” He siad.
The former TUC president said that the workers’ day was worth celebrating because it was a day of stock taking as well as a day to remember those who put their lives on the line to enable workers to enjoy what they were presently getting.
He, however, expressed dismay at the working environment of the Nigerian worker, pointing out that the working environment of the Nigerian worker right now was not the best.
“We are in the middle of a pandemic and you have banditry, breakdown of law and order.
“You also have various secessionist groups springing up across the country; so that makes the environment for the Nigerian worker to function very difficult.
“On the other hand, you look at the mental health of the average Nigerian worker. The mental health based on what is happening around the average Nigerian worker is a tough one.
“But like we say in the labor movement, you have to keep going, Aluta Continua, Victoria Acerta.”
Esele further advised young workers at the moment to develop a second skill as well as build capacity in varied ways.
He stressed that it was key to survival, because things were tough at the moment. (NAN)
– MAY 01, 2021 @ 14:41 GMT /
Tags: Esele Ex TUC president rekindles hope for workers
