Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has presented brand-new electric vehicles to leaders of organised labour in the state in recognition of their role in sustaining industrial harmony and supporting the administration's development agenda.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony held at the premises of the Cross River State Property Development and Investment Limited (CROSPIL) in Calabar, the Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor Ekpenyong Ene Cobham, presented the car keys to the Chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
The Commissioner said the initiative was driven by Governor Otu's People First agenda and is consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He stressed that those who dedicate themselves to advocating for workers' welfare should also have access to improved mobility.
According to him, the Governor recognises organised labour as a critical stakeholder in governance and considered it necessary to ensure that labour leaders can carry out their responsibilities without being hampered by transportation challenges.
He added that the electric vehicles form part of the state's urban mobility programme and represent the administration's effort to introduce cleaner and more sustainable transportation solutions while supporting key institutions in the State.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Monday Ogbodum, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Otu, describing the gesture as a "huge relief" and a clear demonstration of the Governor's recognition of labour's role in advancing workers' welfare.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Gregory Olayi, said the vehicles would significantly improve the mobility of labour leaders, enabling them to perform their duties more effectively and strengthen engagement with workers across Cross River State.
The labour leaders lauded the transition from petrol-powered to electric transportation, declaring that the initiative means "saying bye-bye to fuel" while reducing the financial burden associated with fuelling vehicles.
They noted that the provision of the electric vehicles would not only enhance mobility but also boost the capacity of labour leaders to advocate for better working conditions and improved welfare for workers.
The labour leadership thanked Governor Otu, whom they described as the "People First Governor," for what they called a "wonderful and incredible gift," and assured that the vehicles would be put to effective use in the service of workers and the State.
By: Daniel Nsa and Eme Edet
