Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, declaring that the state workforce remains the “backbone of governance and the engine room of the economy.”
The governor made the declaration on Friday in Asaba during the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration, where he called for urgent collective efforts to tackle insecurity and poverty, describing both as major threats to decent work, productivity and national development.
Represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Oborevwori said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Insecurity, Poverty – Bane of Decent Work,” reflects the harsh realities confronting workers across Nigeria.
“As your Governor, I remain committed to protecting the interests of workers and expanding opportunities for all,” he said.
“I warmly congratulate all workers in Delta State and across Nigeria on this special occasion. I commend your resilience, discipline and dedication; you remain the backbone of governance and the engine of our economy.”
The governor noted that insecurity and poverty continue to undermine productivity, discourage investment and erode human dignity, stressing that no economy can thrive where workers live under fear and hardship.
“Insecurity disrupts livelihoods, discourages investment and places workers in constant danger, making it impossible for economies to thrive,” he stated.
“At the same time, poverty erodes human dignity, weakens productivity and denies workers the basic conditions needed for meaningful employment.”
Oborevwori said the solution lies in strengthening security, creating sustainable jobs, improving wages, expanding skills development and enhancing social protection for workers.
“The theme calls for urgent, collective action to restore the true meaning of decent work by addressing both insecurity and poverty,” he added.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, the governor said Delta State has enjoyed industrial peace and harmony over the past three years, commending the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and affiliate unions for their cooperation and understanding.
According to him, his administration has continued to prioritise workers’ welfare through prompt payment of salaries, regular promotion exercises, construction of residential quarters for Permanent Secretaries, and expanded training and capacity-building programmes.
“We recognise that a motivated workforce is central to effective governance,” he said. “Our goal is a modern, professional and highly responsive public service.”
Oborevwori also disclosed that the government had strengthened manpower in key sectors through targeted recruitment, especially in education and healthcare, to improve service delivery across the state.
On retirees’ welfare, the governor said his administration had cleared pension obligations for state workers and settled outstanding pension liabilities at the local government level.
“We remain mindful of our retirees, whose service laid the foundation for today’s progress,” he stated. “This is our commitment to dignity in retirement.”
The governor further highlighted interventions under the M.O.R.E Grant Scheme and the D-CARES programme, noting that hundreds of thousands of traders, artisans and entrepreneurs had benefited from economic support initiatives aimed at sustaining livelihoods amid prevailing economic challenges.
He added that the administration continues to invest in education through bursaries and scholarship schemes to ensure that no Delta child is denied access to education because of financial difficulties.
“Development is not only about infrastructure; it is about people,” Oborevwori stressed. “A well-paid worker, a secure retiree, an empowered entrepreneur and an educated child — these are the true measures of progress.”
Earlier, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Comrade Asekutu Wilson, in a joint address, said this year’s Workers’ Day theme directly reflects the realities facing workers across Nigeria and the global community.
