Three-day labour retreat of the Office of the Special Adviser on Labour and Productivity

All praises be to almighty Allah who made it possible for all of us to be here with you today, to witness this very important occasion of a retreat for labour leaders organize by the office of special adviser labour and productivity with the theme: ‘’Labour Management Relations: Straitening The Existing Bond of Relationship for Robust and Meaningful Engagement’’

I have come to this venue of the retreat with respect and Admiration: Respect for the rich history of the labour movement in Katsina state and Admiration for the support and cooperation given to my administration by the trade unions in Katsina state.

I believe we can one day look back with pride and bask in the satisfaction of your contribution to the general development of Katsina state; You have indeed helped in ensuring that our policies continues,

Let me therefore appreciate all who have made it possible for this retreat to be organize at this very crucial moment and brings together knowledgeable resource persons to share their considerable experience on topics that will help both our union leaders and government officials to acquire practical skills and to brainstorm and understand the best approach in industrial relations for effective industrial harmony in the state. I therefore invite all participants to explore and benefit from the wide knowledge of these resource persons.

Let me also appreciate all labour unions in the state for their support and indeed industrial peace and harmony experienced since when I took mantle of leadership.

No doubt the theme of the retreat underlined the significance of the partnership between the Labour Unions and the Government. I indeed acknowledged that labour and government hold the keys to a prosperous and harmonious future for the State.

I believe the purpose of all of you being here today basically is not necessarily to be informed of what we have achieved as government so far, but rather to confirm our commitment to nurturing positive labour-government relations, fostering understanding and building a stronger tie for the collective progress of Katsina State. Though I have to state here that my government have implemented many good policies, programmes and laudable projects, which align with our campaign promises.

We can all attest to the fact that after taking oath as your governor just one year after; the State is progressing and the light of development is shining again. I am particularly happy to report that the administration has fulfilled several campaign promises to the good people of Katsina State and we have achieved a lot to improve the welfare and working condition of the State workforce.

This retreat is therefore informed by our commitment to reposition the department in its mandate to providing a conducive environment for a more robust, mature government labour relationship; So the objective is to enhance government - labour relationship and to ensure sustained industrial peace and harmony in Katsina state through facilitation, communication and collaboration sessions and to help increase unity of purpose amongst the labour unions in the state.

The aim is thus, to;

Increasing Investment in your Capabilities as state government employees.

Increasing Investment in the unions you represent and

Increasing Investment in Decent and Sustainable Work.

Distinguish invited guest, ladies and gentlemen, the challenges of today especially those of financial inadequacies and security demand strategic approach via collaboration, cooperation and dialogue to be achieved through educative retreat of this type.

If we have to deal with the rapidly metamorphosing challenges in our society; deliberate efforts must be made by both government and labour unions in the best interest of workers and other citizens of the state; thus, you must think outside the box taking into consideration the global realities, changing forms of capital, environmental situation and inadequacies.

We must renew our commitment to the progress of our people. We must also demonstrate conscientious and exemplary leadership. Engage in critical thinking on how best to help the government and members of your own constituencies for the future of all. I think this is one of the aim of this retreat.

Therefore, while you seek answers to the questions that the future of work brings, you should be ready to learn and bring out for discussion at this retreat issues that will be beneficial to both parties.

I wish to call on you as leaders of this great movement to take this retreat very seriously, you must utilize the knowledge acquired to devise sustainable strategies to help the government especially in the areas of revenue and investments and also strengthen the existing bond of relationship between us to warrant robust engagement.

To the resource persons; I count on you to bring your best ideas in this retreat for discussions so we can make a difference in industrial relations among the comity of states in the country.

I want to further urge you to make the most of the experience and knowledge of the facilitation team, who have come some distance to contribute to our deliberations and agenda. They have been brought in to coach and guide you, as we are all committed to developing our state and making an immeasurable difference.

I must confess that your attendance at this retreat portrays an indication that we are partners and we have your support to develop Katsina state to greater height. We are also convinced beyond any doubt as government that labour is a willing partner always ready to work with us to not only improve the welfare of the workers but the citizens of Katsina state at large.

It is also my expectation that at the end of it all, the retreat will come up with feasible, implementable but far-reaching action and recommendations for socio economic development and doable welfare package for the workers of Katsina state.

I hope your contributions will be free- flowing, frank, inspirational, daring, challenging and provocative, though the contributions may not be an official positions as such, but must be contributions that will inspire us towards enhancing our relationship and doing the right thing for the entire people of Katsina State.

While there are numerous other competing demands and responsibilities from different sectors of in the state, I want to assure you of my administration’s commitment by the will of Almighty Allah to confronting and tackling the challenges in the all sectors of Government and Insha-Allah the impact of our deliberate positive policies will be felt by all.

I wish the retreat fruitful deliberations and interesting outcomes.

Thank you all

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