.Mourns late journalist
By Valentine Amanze, Online Editor
The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) frontrunner in the race for Anambra State governorship, Valentine Ozigbo, has called for stronger labour laws that would protect workers from abuses such as delayed payments of salaries, pensions and other entitlements.
He also acknowleged the contributions of the Nigerian workforce to the development of the country, describing them as “immensely valuable”.
In a statement issued from his Udoka Estate Campaign Office in Awka, Anambra State in commemoration of this year’s International Workers’ Day, Ozigbo lamented the unfair treatment workers receive from the government and employers in the country.
Ozigbo, who is the immediate past President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Plc,
also unveiled his ‘Ka Anambra Chawapu’ agenda to improve the lives of Anambra workers, pledging that if elected governor, he would be their strongest ally.
His words: “Nigerian workers deserve every commendation as we mark this year’s May Day to honour their contribution to the development of our nation.
“Despite the unfriendly work conditions of our workers, they have remained committed and dedicated to their role of providing services to our country and growing our economy.
“Situations where workers are on unending industrial action, denied their salaries when due, pensioners are being owed their pensions, and employers mistreat workers and trample on their fundamental human rights are grossly unfair and unacceptable to me.
“Our National Assembly needs to unite in enacting labour laws that match the unique challenges of the 21st-century workplace.
“I congratulate Nigerians workers and pray for more strength and courage to keep fighting the good fight for the nation.”
He also pointed out that investment in people was a critical component of his manifesto, which he tagged, “Ka Anambra Chawapu Manifesto”.
“If I am given the mandate to serve Ndi Anambra as their governor, I will immediately marshal out a plan to upskill and upgrade government workers,” he said.
“Under my administration, workers would have a strong ally in Government House as their well-being and development would be a key priority.
“We would integrate workers into the process of policy-making. As a result, workers will not be treated as adversaries to the government but as allies and partners in building a better and brighter Anambra.
“We will create the happiest workforce in Nigeria and restore the pride of the Anambra worker,” Ozigbo promised.
Ozigbo also urged workers to use the occasion of Workers’ Day to reflect on the nation’s state and come up with strategies on bringing lasting solutions to the issues that bedevil the country.
Meanwhile, Ozigbo has commiserated with the family of the late Chief Uche Ezechukwu, a celebrated journalist and media practitioner, who was laid to rest in his hometown on Saturday, May 1, 2021.
Ezechukwu, popularly known as Onukwube Ndigbo, “was a celebrated author, a widely-read columnist, a highly sought-after speechwriter, a fearless journalist, and a multi-dimensional media entrepreneur”, Ozigbo said in his tribute.
During the funeral ceremony held at Amesi in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, Ozigbo eulogized the late journalist, describing him as “an icon in every sense of the word”.
“If you consider what the late Ezechukwu has achieved in this world, you can’t but pay homage to his greatness and impact. I am confident that Onukwube’s legacy will continue for generations to come. He was a legend who has left an indelible mark in the history of Amesi, Aguata, Anambra, Nigeria, and Africa,” the respected business leader said.
Reminiscing on the unique relationship he shared with the late Chief Ezechukwu, Ozigbo, a native of Amesi, recalled how their families had co-existed in mutual love and understanding decades.
“I regarded him as a brother and mentor for decades up until his sad demise. Onukwube was a close friend and distant cousin. Together with my late elder brother, Collins, Onukwube had a profound impact on my life. Their wisdom guided me. Their brotherly love upheld me,” Ozigbo mourned.
“Our warm relationship extended to his wife and children. One of his daughters, Georgette, became like a mentee to me. When I was the MD/CEO of Trancorp Hotels Plc, I employed her temporarily, and when she wedded, my wife and I played a significant role at the wedding.
“When I decided on my current project to liberate Anambra and renew our greatness, Chief Ezechukwu was the first media professional I consulted. He was so kind as to assemble the first team of journalists who supported us. Most of them are still actively supporting our project to this day,” Ozigbo revealed in his tribute.
The funeral ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, including His Excellency Peter Obi, the immediate past Governor of Anambra State and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Vice Presidential candidate in the 2019 general election.
The late Ezechukwu served in various positions, including as personal press secretary to the late Biafra leader, General Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential campaign spokesperson in 2003, and member of the editorial boards of The Sun and Authority Newspapers.
A graduate of communication studies and modern languages from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ezechukwu is the author of “The Land of the Rising Sun”, a book exploring the experience of Ndigbo.