EMINENT businessman and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu has commended Nigerian workers for their commitment and steadfastness in building and sustaining the Nigerian economy de­spite challenges facing the nation.

According to Kalu, who is also the founder of Slok Group, the role of work­ers in any organization cannot be under­mined, noting that without the personnel, productivity cannot be driven, adding that employees should be compensated with good welfare packages and encouraging working conditions.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said, “In view of global challenges facing govern­ments and businesses worldwide, it is im­portant to acknowledge the resilience and commitment of the workforce in the growth and development of nations.

“The role of workers in building a prosperous Nigeria is significant and as such, government and other em­ployers of labour must make work­ers’ welfare a top priority in their policies.

“For any economy to thrive, the labour force has a strategic role to play as they remain the engine room for development. Without healthy re­lationships among stakeholders, col­lective aspirations will not be achiev­able. Both employers and employees should always strike a balance in their pursuits. As we celebrate this year’s labour day, I want to advise Nigerian workers to complement the efforts of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal administration in correcting the anomalies in the public and private sectors that have crippled the nation, all hands must be on deck to take Nigeria to enviable heights.”

Kalu used the opportunity to advo­cate a periodic review and improve­ment in workers’ welfare as a way of motivating the Nigerian labour force in adding positive value to the soci­ety.

While extending his goodwill to workers, he urged them to uphold good moral ethics in their daily en­deavours, while cooperating with people at the helm in driving effi­ciency.