By Taiwo Ogunniyi
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has emphasized the importance of dialogue and skill development in promoting industrial harmony and national progress.
Speaking at the 10th National Labour Summit and Award Ceremony organized by the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) in Ilorin, Kwara State, the Minister commended the institute for its commitment to fostering dialogue and industrial peace.
She described MINILS as pivotal to the government’s efforts to actualize its Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister said : “This summit aligns seamlessly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is focused on empowering citizens and strengthening the economy,” Onyejeocha stated.
She highlighted the administration’s commitment to equipping Nigerians, especially youths, with skills for emerging sectors such as digital technology, renewable energy, and clean energy.
In his address, the Director-General of MINILS, Comrade Issa Aremu, described the summit as a key platform for assessing the impact of Tinubu’s reform agenda on job creation, wage improvement, and industrial harmony.
“Our goal is to align labour education with the Renewed Hope reforms by addressing challenges in the labour market, promoting social justice, and enhancing industrial productivity for sustainable national development,” Aremu said.
He further revealed that MINILS had exceeded its 2024 ministerial targets by training over 3,500 workers from both the formal and informal sectors across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The Chairperson of the Labour Summit Central Planning Committee, Mrs Olaide Ajiboye, who also serves as the Director/Head of the Social Protection Department of MINILS, described the event as a critical platform for fostering collaboration and addressing modern labour market challenges.
Also speaking, the Ajalaye of Ipetu- Ijesa in Osun State, Oba Adeleke Agunbiade Oke, commended the institute’s contributions to labour relations in Nigeria.
He urged workers to prioritize dialogue in resolving disputes and avoid actions that could lead to violence.
The traditional ruler said :
“Nigerian workers must embrace peaceful resolutions and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the country.”
The summit served as a platform for stakeholders to strategize on addressing industrial challenges and aligning the labour market with national development goals.(vitalnewsngr.com)
