By Kelechi Ugo
The Imo State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Young Workers Representative, Rtn. Comrade Eric Jnr. Chima Igbojekwe, has commended the State President of the union, Comrade Okey Okere, for supporting young workers from the State to Bauchi State for a capacity-building training programme.
Speaking to journalist via telephone,Igbojekwe described the initiative as a demonstration of purposeful and progressive union leadership, noting that investing in the knowledge, skills and professional development of young workers remains critical to the future of the local government workforce.
Speaking on the significance of the training, Igbojekwe said the decision by the Imo NULGE leadership to sponsor young workers to participate in the programme would expose them to new ideas, contemporary workplace practices and leadership skills capable of improving their contributions to the local government system.
According to him, the training is not merely an opportunity for participants to acquire certificates, but a platform for young workers to broaden their knowledge, exchange experiences with colleagues from other parts of the country and develop the capacity required to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
He particularly praised Comrade Okey Okere for recognising the importance of youth participation in the union and for creating opportunities for young workers to benefit from professional development programmes.
Igbojekwe said the gesture had further strengthened the confidence of young workers in the leadership of the union, stressing that young employees needed encouragement, mentorship and opportunities to prepare them for greater responsibilities within the labour movement and the public service.
He noted that effective trade unionism in the contemporary workplace goes beyond welfare and agitation, adding that capacity development, productivity, professionalism and workers’ advancement should remain important components of union administration.
The Young Workers Representative expressed optimism that the beneficiaries of the Bauchi training would return to Imo State with valuable knowledge and experiences that could be shared with other workers.
He therefore called on participants to make maximum use of the opportunity by actively engaging in the training sessions and ensuring that the knowledge acquired is translated into improved workplace performance.
Igbojekwe also urged other stakeholders within NULGE to continue supporting programmes designed to empower young workers, describing the younger generation as an important pillar upon which the future of the union would be built.
He commended the Imo NULGE leadership for what he described as its commitment to workers’ development and welfare, saying that the sponsorship had demonstrated that the union was interested not only in defending workers’ rights but also in equipping them to meet the demands of modern public service.
The young workers’ representative further expressed appreciation to Comrade Okey Okere for the confidence reposed in the young workers and for providing them with the opportunity to participate in the capacity-building exercise.
He assured the union leadership that the beneficiaries would remain committed to the ideals of NULGE and would use the experience gained from the training to contribute positively to the development of local government administration in Imo State.
Igbojekwe’s commendation comes against the backdrop of growing calls for continuous professional development among public servants, particularly young employees who are expected to play increasingly important roles in the future administration of local governments.
He maintained that sustained investment in human capital remained one of the most effective ways of strengthening the workforce and improving service delivery to citizens.
He therefore appealed to the NULGE leadership to sustain the initiative and explore more training opportunities for young workers in the state, expressing confidence that such programmes would ultimately benefit workers, the union and the wider public service.
The Young Workers Representative concluded by reiterating his appreciation to the Imo NULGE President, Comrade Okey Okere, for the sponsorship, describing the initiative as a timely investment in the future of the union and the local government workforce.
Similarly, Igbojekwe lauded Imo State Local Government Service Commission Chairman,Dr. Nick Ebere and urged government to employ youths into local government workforce.
