2017 Labour Day In Nigeria: My Happiness -By Ahamefula Israel

May Day: Workers humiliate Senate President Bukola Saraki

Just as it is said “There’s dignity in labour” that is to say that a labourer deserves honour. In Nigeria, reverse is truly the case of the above stated. I watched with great dismay the level of protest by labour unions in Nigeria today.

Things are getting worse. Non payment of workers salary, Unfavorable Government policies, Poor security, and the ubiquitous challenges from electricity supply, lower Nigeria’s attraction to investors. The rise in unemployment, rated as high as 70%, according to some statistics, is evidence of the impact of policies that emphasise the welfare of politicians and top government officials, over development of infrastructure that would enhance job creation.

But amidst all this experiences, there is one special mortal that have proven beyond reasonable doubt that a labourer deserves to be honored. He is a perfect example of a listening and emphatic leader who believes in a super reward for hard-work.

He is the reason for dignity in labour in Abia State University. Under his watch as Vice-Chancellor, Staff training and retraining, REGULAR/PUNCTUAL PAYMENT of Staff salaries and PROMOTION has continued to be deservedly earned as at when due.

Just recently, Over 1000 staff received their promotion letters which was reported to have put smiles on the faces of its members.

He has sustained the tradition of heavy investment in human and capital development through the massive sponsorship of deserving academic staff members to learned conferences within and outside the country. Added to this is the judicious use of the various research grants by the university researchers under his efficient supervision.

At this juncture, am pleased to say that this Mortal is no other than a distinguished Professor of Optometry, A former Acting Rector Abia state Polytechnic, the 18th Inaugural lurate of Abia state University. A Distinguished Apostle of OUR STORY MUST CHANGE in Abia State University.
He is Okamuta Eleazar Uche-Ikonne, the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor of Abia state University.
If we can tremble before the work of nature, why should we not tremble before a man that exemplifies virtue as far as Welfarism is concerned?

Indeed, on this special day set aside for Workers worldwide, he deserves a Homer to tell his story.

Ahamefula Israel, a Senior Advocate of Nigerian Students writes from Uturu. E-mail:anyameleisrael@gmail.com.