By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki.
The organized labour unions have begun planting economic trees as part of their lineup activities to commemorate the Workers' Day for the year 2025 in Ebonyi State.
The State Head of Service, Mrs Rita-Mary Okoro declared the tree planting exercise open at Ochudo Centenary City in Abakaliki on Wednesday.
Okoro urged the ministries, departments and agencies to contribute positively towards environmental preservation against harsh weather brought by climate change in the state.
The Head of Service explained that the tree planting exercise was embarked by the Organised Labour Unions, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in collaboration with her office, saying the importance of trees to the environment and mankind could never be overemphasised.
"The tree planting is sign of adding value to the workers' day celebration scheduled for Thursday, 1st May 2025.
"I want all the ministries, departments and agencies to support the project. On this note, all ministries should endeavour to plant at least 10 trees.
"All agencies and departments should plant at least five trees. This campaign should also be taken the 13 local government areas of the state.
"We need economic trees and other trees to protect the environment," Okoro said.
The State Chairman of NLC, Prof Egwu Ogugua, said trees have been pertinent to wildlife and economic prowess, and urged the state labour force to also embrace the project to preserve the environment.
The Chairman of TUC in the state, Comrade Chidi Igboji, said the 2025 workers' day was in line with the promotion of the well-being of members and good governance.
"As we begin the tree planting season, I must say, that the year activities are for the celebration of life and good governance," Igboji stated.
Nigerian Pilot reports that the labour unions also organized the 2025 May Day lecture for the Ebonyi State workforce on the theme, "Reclaiming the civic space in the midst of economic hardship."
Guest speakers at the training program, including Lady Franca Egwu who spoke on "Attitudinal Change in Work Place," and Prof Ikechukwu Igwenyi while delivering lecture on "the workplace and Unionism Striking the Balance," urged the workforce to adopt a positive attitudinal disposition while rendering services to the state.
The workers during the event commended the state government and labour leaders for their contributions towards their welfare, and however, decried the skyrocketing house rent, electricity tariff and prices of essential commodities in the state.
