By Tukura Matthew

Senator Suleiman Asonya Adokwe has said labour leaders and its members have important roles to play in the development of Nasarawa State.

Adokwe who is representing southern senatorial district of Nasarawa state stated this in Lafia in a lead paper he presented recently at a workshop organised by Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Nasarawa state council.

Speaking under a sub-topic "Answering the clarion call to development in Nasarawa state: the contributions of labour leader to government", Senator Adokwe said the development of the state was in the hands of the working class whose labour and toil sustain the society.

He said the 13-point agenda of Governor Aliyu Akwe Doma’s administration aimed at developing the state would remain a mirage if workers were not existing to execute the programes of government.

Senator Adokwe said the 13-point agenda of Governor Akwe Doma was a challenge and invitation to labour unions to make their contributions and bring about good governance in the state.

He said labour leaders needed to mobilize its members and the entire people to use their mental and physical capabilities for the development of the state.

According to him, labour can also offer constructive criticism to government when necessary.

Adokwe said as engine room of government responsible for the successes or failures of government policies and programmes, labour should do more than asking for better welfare packages and should also be stakeholders in the collective struggle to improve the people’s living standard.

Adokwe called on labour leaders to eschew corruption and be democratic in handling the affairs of their various unions.

Earlier in his welcome address, chairman Trade Union Council of Nigeria, Nasarawa state chapter, Comrade Gabriel Agbashi said trade union has a crucial role in promoting government policies and programmes because of its direct dealings with the people at the grassroot.

Comrade Agbashi said any government programmes that can bring about positive change in the lives of the people has to come through labour.

The workshop which had its theme as "The 21st Century: Trade unionism, politics and governance in Nigeria" had resource persons drawn from reputable institutions in the country and was well attended by the target groups.