Encomium
Labour leaders in Nigeria, Friday, rose in unisom with their colleagues to honour Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State for setting the pace in matters affecting the workers’ welfare in Nigeria.
They did at the Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square Owerri where, collectively, they bestowed on the Governor the ‘Pacesetter Award’ for paying the workers in Imo State living and not minimum wage.
The event was the 2026 Imo Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Week and Special Award to the Governor in recognition of his outstanding relationship with the workers, as well as presentation of Star Prize to the best local government staff among others.
President General of NULGE, Comrade Aliyu Haruna Kankara who also delivered the goodwill message of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said the Labour Leaders were in agreement that Uzodimma is paying workers living and not minimum wage.
Governor Uzodimma in his remarks said the N104,000 minimum wage his government pays workers in the State is sustainable, describing it as both a labour and economic policy.
Uzodimma said the policies that earned him the recognition—including prompt salary payment, lifting the embargo on promotions, and allowing unions to conduct elections freely—were not favours but obligations of responsible governance.
“I only did what any well-meaning Governor should do. Payment of workers’ salaries and promotion when due are statutory obligations,” he said.
He explained that Imo State adopted a creative approach to revenue generation to cushion the impact of economic reforms introduced by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy.
“I cannot afford not to pay a living wage. When workers earn well, they restore dignity, productivity and stimulate the economy,” he added.
Uzodimma noted that internally generated revenue in the State had improved as a result of investments and infrastructure development, assuring workers that salaries would be reviewed upward as the economy grows.
He urged workers to remain disciplined and committed to duty, describing them as “the backbone of government.”
Expressing his interest in rewarding dedicated workers, Governor Uzodimma announced the cash gift of one million naira each to 27 most dedicated Local Government staff; and five million naira to the staff who won the Star Prize as best local government staff.
The President-General of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, Aliyu Haruna Kankara, commended Governor Uzodimma for improving workers’ welfare and strengthening local government administration in Imo State.
He described the Governor as “a leader who has demonstrated good governance and restored hope among workers.”
Kankara praised Uzodimma for allowing Union elections without interference, promoting staff, and implementing a N104,000 wage for local government workers.
“This bold step shows that workers’ welfare matters and has placed Imo among States prioritising the dignity of public servants. The Governor is paying the workers living and not minimum wage,” he said.
The NULGE President who also represented Comrade Joe Ajaero of the Nigeria Labour Congress, urged other Governors to emulate the policy and adopt similar wage improvements across the country.
Kankara reminded Governor Uzodimma that the award bestowed on him is taken seriously by all workers across the 36 States of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, and that the political implications cannot be overlooked.
The Imo State Chairman of the NULGE, Comrade Charles Okechukwu Okeke commended Uzodimma for policies that improved workers’ welfare and strengthened Union democracy in Imo State.
He said the Governor resisted pressure from influential individuals and insisted on a free and fair Union election, which restored peace among them. He also highlighted that Governor Uzodimma lifted a promotion embargo that lasted from 2014 and approved double promotions for workers.
The Chairman further praised the Governor for approving a N104,000 minimum wage for workers in the State, describing it as the highest in the country.
“Imo workers are today enjoying the highest minimum wage in Nigeria,” he said, assuring that the workers will reciprocate by remaining disciplined and dedicated to their duties.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Pacesetter Award conferred on Governor Uzodimma by the Imo State Chapter of NULGE.
Present at the event were; the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru and her husband, Chief Chukwuma Ekomaru (SAN), the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, former Deputy Governors, Prof. Placid Njoku and Sir Jude Agbaso, APC Chairman Imo State, Hon. Austin Onyedebelu, some members of the House of Assembly, members of State Expanded Executive Council, Imo Stakeholders, SA on Labour Matters, Comrade Austin Chilakpu, Chairman Nigeria Labour Congress, Imo State, Comrade Uche Chigaemezu Nwaigwe, Local Government Council Chairmen and staff who came in their numbers to celebrate the Governor.
Oguwike Nwachuku
Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor
