By Uzo Ugwunze
The Anambra State Head of Service, Barr. Ngozi Iwuno, has called on organised labour to embrace professionalism, digital transformation and constructive engagement in building strong public institutions and sustaining the state’s development.
Iwuno made the call on Nov. 11, while speaking at the 2026 Annual Training Session and Prayer Summit organised jointly by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) at the NUT Teachers’ House, Awka.
Speaking on the theme, “Change Management, Future of Work and Effective Labour Management Relations,” the Head of Service urged labour leaders to channel the energy and commitment of Anambra workers towards productivity, peaceful coexistence and institutional growth.
She challenged workers to move beyond confrontation and adopt strategic approaches to addressing workplace concerns, stressing the importance of professionalism, dialogue and mutual respect in labour management relations.
Iwuno described public servants as the foundation of strong institutions, urging them to uphold the law, discharge their responsibilities with integrity, embrace digital tools and remain committed to continuous learning, regardless of age.
She emphasised the need to sustain the gains made in workers’ welfare, noting that the painful experience of unpaid salaries and pensions must never return.
The Head of Service encouraged organised labour to become a genuine partner in progress rather than limiting its role to agitation, while urging government to maintain transparency, dialogue and respect for workers’ rights.
Earlier, the Anambra State NLC Chairman, Comrade Humphrey Nwafor, welcomed delegates and stakeholders to the summit, describing the training as an opportunity to prepare workers and labour leaders for the changing demands of the modern workplace.
He noted that technology and artificial intelligence were rapidly transforming the world of work, making it necessary for organised labour to understand emerging trends and actively participate in shaping reforms that protect workers’ rights, job security, dignity and welfare.
Nwafor reaffirmed Labour’s non partisan position, explaining that the movement would continue to engage political leaders on issues of decent work, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, and respect for trade union rights.
He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the training towards building a more informed, united and effective labour movement.
The summit featured political engagement, with Labour Party senatorial candidate for Anambra Central, Ven. Tochukwu Ikezue, outlining his proposed youth and women empowerment programme.
Ikezue pledged to dedicate his entire four year salary, if elected, to empowering 250,000 youths and women, targeting 62,500 beneficiaries annually as part of his proposed strategy to address unemployment and insecurity.
He also promised to draw on his experience with the Federal Ministry of Finance Graduate Internship Scheme to promote employment opportunities. Additionally, he pledged to advocate for the protection of christians and religious freedom across the country.
On social welfare, the candidate said he would push for a national welfare framework for citizens aged 60 and above, drawing lessons from the Abia State model, which he believes could be adapted to improve support for older Nigerians.
Similarly, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for Awka North and South Federal Constituency and former Commissioner, Hon. Obby Nwankwo, challenged voters to assess political candidates based on their records of performance rather than financial inducements.
He urged the electorate to demand evidence of what political officeholders had achieved before renewing their support.
Recalling his tenure as Commissioner for Science and Technology, Nwankwo claimed that he increased annual revenue from sand mining from ₦1.8 million to more than ₦400 million within nine months by blocking revenue leakages and resisting inducements.
He highlighted initiatives involving internet modernisation, a kaolin factory and street lighting, stressing that accountability and continuity should remain central to public leadership.
The event featured the presentation of an award to the President of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU), Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu, popularly known as Majic Finger. A special sermon and prayer session led by Rev. Chijioke Anaemena also formed part of the highlights.
The summit reinforced the importance of continuous capacity building, responsible leadership and constructive labour management relations in preparing Anambra’s workforce for the demands of a changing economy.
Uzo Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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Editorial note: The claims by the political candidates, particularly the proposed empowerment of 250,000 beneficiaries and the reported increase in sand-mining revenue, have been attributed to the speakers and should be independently verified before publication.
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