Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has used the 2026 International Workers Day celebration to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to the dignity of labour, describing the state’s workforce as both the engine room of the economy and the backbone of governance, while calling for urgent collective action to address the twin threats of insecurity and poverty that he said were undermining the meaning of decent work across Nigeria.
Speaking at the official Workers Day event in Asaba under the theme “Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” the governor, represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, delivered an address that combined a candid assessment of the challenges confronting Nigerian workers with a comprehensive account of the welfare-focused reforms his administration had pursued since assuming office on May 29, 2023.
He warned that insecurity and poverty remained the two most destructive forces working against worker productivity and economic growth, arguing that insecurity disrupted livelihoods, discouraged investment, and placed workers in constant danger, while poverty eroded human dignity, weakened productivity, and denied workers the basic conditions necessary for meaningful employment.
“Together, these challenges strip work of its value and prevent individuals and communities from reaching their full potential. The theme calls for urgent, collective action to restore the true meaning of decent work by addressing both insecurity and poverty. This includes strengthening security, creating sustainable jobs, ensuring fair wages, investing in skills development, and supporting workers through social protection and improved living conditions,” he said.
Oborevwori extended warm congratulations to all workers in Delta State and across Nigeria, commending their resilience, discipline, and dedication. “You remain the backbone of governance and the engine of our economy. I warmly congratulate all workers in Delta State and across Nigeria on this special occasion,” he said.
On the achievements of his administration, the governor pointed to three years of industrial peace and harmony in Delta State, commending the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, and their affiliate unions for sustained cooperation and understanding that had kept the state’s labour environment stable. He acknowledged that a motivated workforce was central to effective governance and outlined several concrete measures taken to honour that conviction.
These included the construction of additional residential quarters for Permanent Secretaries, prompt payment of salaries and pensions throughout his tenure, clearance of pension arrears for state workers and outstanding liabilities at the local government level, regular promotion exercises, and targeted recruitment in the education and medical sectors to strengthen service delivery. He described the clearance of pension obligations as a fulfilment of the state’s duty to those whose service had laid the foundation for present-day governance. “This is our commitment to dignity in retirement,” he stated.
The governor also highlighted social protection and economic empowerment initiatives implemented in response to current economic pressures, including the MORE Grant Scheme and the D-CARES programme, through which hundreds of thousands of Deltans including traders, artisans, and entrepreneurs had received financial support to sustain and grow their livelihoods. Investment in education through bursaries and targeted scholarships was also cited as part of the administration’s broader commitment to ensuring that no child of Delta State was denied opportunity due to financial constraints.
He spoke of the administration’s infrastructure investments in roads, bridges, and markets as instruments for easing transportation challenges and stimulating economic activity, and highlighted agricultural initiatives aimed at boosting food production, ensuring food security, and stabilising prices, all of which had direct consequences for the quality of life of working families.
“Development is not only about infrastructure; it is about people. A well-paid worker, a secure retiree, an empowered entrepreneur, and an educated child, these are the true measures of progress,” he said, urging workers to remain dedicated, uphold excellence in their duties, and continue working in unity toward the collective progress of Delta State.
Separately, a separate message issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, reiterated the administration’s commitment to creating a society where workers were not only celebrated but genuinely protected and rewarded. “Together, we will build a stronger, more prosperous future for our state,” the statement read.
At the event, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Delta State, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, and his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Comrade Asekutu Wilson, delivered a joint address read by Ofobruku, describing the Workers Day theme as one that spoke directly to the realities confronting millions of workers across Nigeria and the world, reinforcing the call for governments at all levels to translate their May Day commitments into measurable action throughout the year.
