The Governor of Delta state Governor Okowa has been honoured with a peace award at the 40th anniversary celebration of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in Abuja.
Governor Okowa who has been known to be a long-standing friend of the Labour movement, especially in his state Delta State, while receiving the award thanked the Union for the award, and their contribution to growth, while also urging them to always seek dialogue with Government as a possible means of resolving issues.
Governor Okowa while giving his remarks noted that labour leaders have achieved more using dialogue rather than confrontations in addressing issues.
He said :
“I believe that the best unionists are those who learn to engage in dialogue and to that extent i must appreciate all the unions in Delta State for partnering with us through dialogue to help us derive peace and consolidate on the gains that have been made by previous administrations in our dear state”.
“Unionism is good and it is something that must be encouraged as a nation and in the various industries because without unions there will be chaos in work places. NUPENG is strong in pushing for the welfare of her members but we must have it in mind that as a union we have a lot of role to play in the affairs of the nation whenever we gather to discuss”, the governor added.
While congratulating NUPENG on its 40th anniversary celebrations, Governor Okowa commended the organisation for its maturity in handling labour issues stating it had been a very reasonable union.
He hailed the union for not using their position to hold the nation to ransom, calling on them to partner with those in government in the interest of Nigeria.
On the peace award conferred on him, in contribution to peaceful oil and gas in the Niger Delta region, Governor Okowa said:
“I receive this award with gratitude, we will continue to contribute our little quota to the development of our state and our nation.
“I must truly appreciate NUPENG for their drive to have a more peaceful and better Nigeria. I thank you for recognising our modest efforts in ensuring peace and security in Delta State which has impacted positively on not just the economy of Delta State but the entire country.
“As the largest producer of oil and gas in Nigeria it is imperative that all stakeholders must continue to work hard for sustainable peace and development in the oil and gas sector”. He said