 |
| PastorDr. Anyalebechi Nnunukwe (Vice-President, Eastern Nigeria Union Conference) |
The maiden Port Harcourt East Conference Workers Thanksgiving
Day celebration held at Seventh-day Adventist church Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt,
on April 27, 2024 was marked by gratitude, solidarity, and reflection. The
event, which drew a distinguished gathering of 64 honored guests, including
prominent figures from government, labor unions, media, and corporate sectors,
served as a poignant tribute to the dedication and resilience of workers across
Rivers State.
Among the notable attendees were the esteemed Head of Service
of Rivers State, Sir George C. Nwaeke, PhD, FCA, mni, who represented His
Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State. Additionally,
representatives from Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries, The Chairman,
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Alex Ikechi Agwanwor and members from
various chapters, as well as delegates from Obia-Akpor and Phalga, added to the
significance of the occasion. The event also witnessed participation from the
National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), four media houses, and
representatives from banking institutions and companies, reflecting a broad
spectrum of stakeholders invested in the welfare of workers.
The day's activities were rich and diverse, embodying the
spirit of thanksgiving and camaraderie. Attendees engaged in prayers of
gratitude, uplifting praise, and heartfelt testimonies, acknowledging the
manifold blessings and challenges encountered in the realm of work.
Pastor Samuel E. Iruolor, President of the conference, delivered
a heartrending address, offering a retrospective on the plights faced by
workers and emphasizing the importance of unity and advocacy for workers'
rights. He emphasized that Nigeria witnessed many events that impacted and
continue to impact the fortunes of the Nigerian worker significantly since the
last Workers' Day. Some of these events are good, some bad, and some are
terrible.
A highlight of the event was the perspicuous recitation of
the Governor's address for the worker's day celebration, eloquently delivered
by Sir George C. Nwaeke, PhD, FCA, mni, the Head of Service of Rivers State, on
behalf of His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS. The address underscored
the government's unwavering commitment to supporting and uplifting the welfare of
workers in the state.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) made a stirring
demonstration of solidarity through a march and melodious songs, symbolizing
unity and resilience in the face of challenges. Their generous donation towards
supporting the conference's initiatives further highlighted the collaborative
spirit of the occasion.
In his divine service sermon, Pastor Anyalebechi Nnunukwe
(Ph.D), Vice-President of the Eastern Nigeria Union Conference (ENUC),
coronated the annual service with a resounding sermon titled 'Always
Remembered.' He charged the congregation with a call to action, urging them to
stand firm in their faith and commitment to justice, equity, and compassion in
the workplace.
Although the Nigerian worker can find one million reasons not
to work. Pastor Nnunukwe charged workers in Port Harcourt to remain Committed
and Consistent. He encouraged them to keep up the indomitable, invincible,
unconquerable, and never say die attitude spirit of the Nigerian worker.
“Work is part of the Lord's perfect design for man. The Bible tells us in Genesis 2:15, that a perfect world without sin, without sickness, that "the LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it". The Garden of Eden had more than enough yielding trees for Adam and Eve to live but God said work. God had the power to do all the work by the breath of His mouth, but He said work. God frowns at idleness; He frowns at unproductive lifestyles.
“Commitment and
consistency mean that the worker will go to work every day except Sabbath,
arrive on time, stay till the close of work, spend the time working, do all to
improve his skills on the job and offer his best suggestions, he preached.
As the worship drew to a close, attendees gathered for
cross-sections of photographs with invited guests, fostering connections and
memories. Media briefings were conducted to share highlights of the event with
the broader community, amplifying the message of gratitude and solidarity. Cool
refreshments provided a moment of relaxation and fellowship, allowing
participants to reflect on the day's proceedings and strengthen bonds of
friendship and collaboration.
In conclusion, the Workers' Thanksgiving Service of Port
Harcourt East Conference of Seventh-day Adventist served as a significant platform
for recognizing the invaluable contributions of workers and fostering
solidarity among various stakeholders. It underscored the importance of
collective efforts in addressing workers' concerns and promoting their
well-being. It was a celebration marked by gratitude, inspiration, and renewed
commitment to building a more just and equitable society for all.
No comments:
Post a Comment