NLC Anambra  Pre-May Day Programme: Highlights on Insecurity, Poverty as Threats to Decent Work*

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Anambra State Chapter, on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, held a Pre-May Day programme at the NUT House in Awka, bringing together key stakeholders to address pressing issues affecting workers and to mark activities leading up to the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration.

The event, themed “Insecurity and Poverty: The Bane of Decent Work,” featured paper presentations, health and investment sessions, installation of a Grand Patron, and the conferment of awards of excellence.

Dignitaries in attendance included the Traditional Ruler of Umueri Kingdom, HRM Igwe Sir Ben Emeka (Oke-Ebo II); the Anambra State Head of Service, Mrs. Ngozi Anuli Iwouno, Esq., mni; and the Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Pius Chukwuma Okoye, among others.

In his welcome address, the NLC State Chairman, Comrade Sir Humphrey Emeka Nwafor, described the programme as a unique five-in-one initiative designed to benefit workers across the state. He said the event was part of activities marking the 2026 Workers’ Day and aimed at equipping workers with practical knowledge for improved welfare and life after service.

Comrade Nwafor outlined the highlights of the programme to include keynote lectures addressing the theme, comprehensive health talks by medical professionals, and expert guidance on real estate investment as a pathway to financial security. He urged participants to remain attentive and actively engaged to derive maximum benefit. He also commended the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, for his continued support for workers’ welfare.

In her remarks, the Head of Service, Mrs. Iwouno, lauded the NLC leadership for organizing what she described as a timely and commendable initiative. She noted that insecurity and poverty remain major challenges not only in Anambra State but across Nigeria and globally, emphasizing that sustainable development cannot be achieved in an environment plagued by these issues. She called for collective and sustained efforts from government, labour unions, and other stakeholders to address the challenges.
A presentation by real estate consultants from Nadistel Concept Limited encouraged workers to invest in property as a means of securing their future. The experts highlighted that real estate investment begins with land ownership, regardless of size, and extends beyond buying and selling to include agricultural use, which can generate additional income streams.

On health matters, the NLC Vice Chairman and Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Comrade Edith Onwuka, delivered a lecture focusing on critical health concerns such as prostate cancer, menopause, hypertension, and blood sugar management. She explained that prostate cancer results from abnormal cell growth in the prostate gland and identified risk factors including age, obesity, family history, low Vitamin D levels, and inflammation of the prostate. She urged regular medical check-ups, particularly Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests, for early detection.

A major highlight of the event was the installation of HRM Igwe Ben Emeka (Oke-Ebo II) as the Grand Patron of the NLC Anambra State Council. In his acceptance speech, the monarch commended the council for maintaining industrial harmony in the state and pledged to serve as a mediator in resolving any future disputes between labour and government.

The Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Pius Chukwuma Okoye, was also honoured with a Community Service Award in recognition of his contributions to the development of Awka South Constituency II. In his response, he expressed gratitude for the recognition, dedicated the award to his constituents, and encouraged workers to develop alternative sources of income, noting that salaries alone may not be sufficient to meet their needs.
Speaking to journalists at the event, Comrade Nwafor reiterated that the core mission of the NLC remains the protection and promotion of workers’ welfare. He assured that the council would continue to implement programmes that empower workers and improve their overall well-being.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, advised workers to prioritize healthy living, uphold integrity in service, and embrace values that promote equity, justice, and fairness, while avoiding actions that could undermine their professional standing.

The event concluded with a renewed call for proactive measures to address insecurity and poverty, as well as increased commitment to workers’ welfare and sustainable livelihoods