Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has restated his administration’s commitment to the welfare and dignity of workers, describing the state workforce as the “engine room” of governance and a key driver of economic growth.
He made the remarks on Friday in Asaba during the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration, where he was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme.
Speaking on the theme, “Insecurity, Poverty – Bane of Decent Work,” the governor called for coordinated efforts to tackle insecurity and poverty, warning that both remain major threats to productivity and decent employment.
He said insecurity continues to disrupt livelihoods, discourage investment, and expose workers to danger, while poverty erodes dignity and weakens productivity across sectors.
“As your Governor, I remain committed to protecting the interests of workers and expanding opportunities for all,” he stated.
He urged workers to remain dedicated and professional in the collective effort to build a stronger State, adding that the annual celebration remains a tribute to the “dignity of labour and the men and women whose daily efforts sustain the state and drive its progress.”
Oborevwori congratulated workers across the state and the country, commending their resilience, discipline, and consistency in service delivery.
He explained that the 2026 theme highlighted the urgent need for practical responses to insecurity and poverty, including job creation, fair wages, skills development, and stronger social protection systems.
According to him, the theme calls for urgent, collective action to restore the true meaning of decent work by addressing both insecurity and poverty… it is a call to build a society where work guarantees not just survival, but dignity, stability, and opportunity for all.
The governor noted that Delta has recorded industrial peace over the past three years, attributing the stability to cooperation between government and labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress.
He also said his administration, under the ‘MORE Agenda’ introduced on May 29, 2023, remains focused on building a responsive public service.
“We recognise that a motivated workforce is central to effective governance,” he said, adding that government is implementing measures such as construction of residential quarters for Permanent Secretaries, prompt salary payment, and regular promotion exercises.
He added that the state was investing in training and capacity-building programmes, improved working conditions, and targeted recruitment in the education and health sectors to strengthen service delivery.
On pension matters, Oborevwori said his administration has cleared outstanding pension benefits for state workers and settled local government liabilities, describing it as part of efforts to ensure dignity in retirement.
He also disclosed that social protection programmes such as the MORE Grant Scheme and D-CARES initiative have empowered hundreds of thousands of residents, including traders, artisans, and entrepreneurs.
The governor also highlighted continued investment in education through bursaries and scholarships aimed at ensuring that no child is denied access due to financial constraints.
“Development is not only about infrastructure; it is about people,” he said, stressing that a well-paid worker, secure retiree, empowered entrepreneur, and educated child remain key indicators of progress.
Earlier, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress in the state, in a joint address delivered by NLC Chairman Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, said the theme of the celebration reflects the realities faced by workers in Nigeria and globally.
