ILO Governing Chair pledges to showcase Africa

By Joan Nwagwu

Amb. Abiodun Adejola, Chairman, Governing Body of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), on Sunday pledged to showcase African continent to whole world during his tenure.

Adejola, who is the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations, said this while speaking with journalists in Geneva, Switzerland.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria was elected as the ILO Governing Body Chair at the just concluded 111th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) of the ILO.

The conference was held from June 5 to June 16.

Adejola, who is Chairperson of the ILO Governing Body would chair the 2023-2024 session of the ILC.

He said that during his tenure, African countries would be brought together and be showcased to the world.

He also said he would support the vision of President Bola Tinubu-led administration for country.

According to him, I do believe that we are here to assist the enormous work going on in Nigeria and you will recall that in the last 15 days, a number of things have been done in Nigeria, particularly with the massive efforts of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu.

“So we are here to actually ensure that we support his vision. We support his drive and then taking the world to Africa and indeed from Nigeria.

“You know, the ILO is a very unique body, that sits on the tripod, the constituents, so we can’t neglect anyone so we have to find a way to bring together the government, the workers and their employers in moving Nigeria forward.

“We need to ensure that we involve all constituents specifically,” he said.

He, however, said that as the Chairman of board of the ILO, he would ensure not to neglect workers and their welfare.

He said he would continue to build on the enormous work done by Dr Chris Ngige, former Minister of Labour and Employment.

According to him, Nigeria is a potential awaiting to happen.

“It is a massive country. I do believe that President Tinubu will make it a workstation where all hands will be on deck and no dull moment.

“It is also to ensure that we move our country to the next level,” he said.

Adejola, while chairing his maiden meeting, commended the Delegates for nominating and confirming Nigeria to preside over the affairs of the decision making and agenda setting body of the ILO.

“As Nigeria accepts the responsibility of continuing from where Chile handed the baton, we are confident that our two Vice Chairs will extend their warm cooperation and support to us to sustain the accelerated progress of our predecessor.

“We will count on the goodwill and support of all government members of the Governing Body to move the stake of our organisation higher.

“As we are no doubt aware, the demand for greater supervision, provision of technical assistance and share of quality research findings from the ILO as the leading authority in the world of work is greater now than ever,” he said.

He added that the soaring level of unemployment, disruptive impact of technology, the devastating effect of climate change and regional demographics are the stark realities staring us in the face.

He said that the agenda in future meetings should take on board the challenges, to confront and shape global discourse as a matter of urgency.

Our policy outcomes and decisions should inspire hope for a better quality of life and new opportunities.

“We are ready to deliver on the mandate entrusted to us, prepared to serve, listen and to align with our common goal of leaving no one behind.

“Together, we will harness our potentials and draw strength from our unique tripartite governance structure to consolidate on our post-centenary and pandemic gains. Our mutual and healthy respect, tolerance and maturity for contrary opinions will be helpful.

“Our diversity in economic development and vast tapestry of perspectives should enrich and balance our conclusions,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz