Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has been hailed as a labour friendly governor following his commitment towards improving the welfare of Imo workers while also maintaining a cordial relationship with the labour unions in the country.

The president of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, gave the kudos when he led a delegation of labour leaders on a courtesy visit to the Okorocha in the Government House, Owerri.

He disclosed that Okorocha ranks among six governors in the country who have distinguished themselves as friends of workers by promoting policies and programmes that are favorable to labour.

Omar added that the visit is aimed at having a close discussion with the governor towards sustaining the cordial relationship existing between the state government and workers so as to partner on labour related matters.

He applauded the developmental strides of the governor which he posited has transformed Imo into a model state.

“We want to commend you for transforming your ideas to realities in Imo state and let me recall that beyond that you also set the pace for the entire governors of the south east in terms of payment of minimum wage,” said the NLC president.

Responding, Gov. Okorocha said: “As a comrade, I have a role to play when it comes to the issue of welfare of workers in Nigeria and for that reason, Imo state cannot be found wanting when it comes to the welfare of workers. You may have heard that Imo is the first state in Nigeria to pay minimum wage which settled the matter in the country. This is also the first state where retirees whose gratuities are below Five Hundred Thousand Naira and 12 years pension arrears have all been paid.”

Gov. Okorocha (shown in photo) who described the civil service as a pivot upon which every administration rotates, assured that his administration will not relent in promoting programmes that enhance the welfare of workers for optimum productivity.

He further assured the NLC leadership that the newly formed All Progressive Alliance (APC) will take appropriate measures to towards improving the welfare of Nigerian workers when it takes over the governance of the country in 2015.