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By Abdullah Ahmed
The Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, MINILS, Comrade Issa Aremu, has urged Nigerians to remain patient with the country’s democratic journey, stressing that nation-building is a continuous process.
Comrade Aremu made the call in Ilorin, at a MINILS programme marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, with the theme, “Nigeria at 66: Reflections on Labour Education Since Independence.”
He said independence offers Nigeria greater prospects than dependency, maintaining that the country is better positioned under democratic governance than military rule.
Comrade Issa Aremu acknowledged the growth of educational and labour institutions since independence, but called for renewed efforts to strengthen institutions that contribute to national development.
The MINILS Director-General urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place the Institute directly under the Presidency, citing its strategic role in labour education, industrial relations and national development.
He also challenged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, to take decisive action on the nation’s refineries, saying Nigerians are tired of repeated explanations over their prolonged inability to operate at expected capacity.
The MINILS Director General stressed that energy security remains fundamental to genuine independence, arguing that political freedom must be matched by economic independence and improved living conditions.
Other speakers expressed concern over rising youth unemployment and the declining purchasing power of workers, as inflation continues to put pressure on wages and household incomes.
They called for stronger collaboration among government, labour and other stakeholders to tackle unemployment, improve workers’ welfare and strengthen institutions established since independence.
They stressed that sustained investment in labour education, human capital development and economic productivity remains critical to Nigeria’s progress.
Also, the Kwara State Director of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Alhaji Yakub Abubakar, has called on Nigerians to respect the nation’s symbols and uphold the values they represent.
Alhaji Abubakar, who spoke at the MINILS 66th Independence anniversary celebration, urged citizens to be disciplined, do the right thing at the right time and remain their brothers’ keepers.
Similarly, the Danmasani of Ilorin, Engineer Yahaya Alasanpasa acknowledged the significant contributions of the labour force to Nigeria’s national development.
Engineer Alasanpasa advised workers to remain committed, dedicated and hardworking, stressing the need for collective efforts towards the progress of the country.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Acting Head of the Social Department, Mrs Rachael Solomon, reflected on Nigeria’s journey since independence and expressed optimism that the country would attain greater heights.
Mrs Solomon urged Nigerians to remain patriotic and contribute positively to national development, regardless of the challenges confronting the nation.
In their presentations, heads of various departments of the Institute highlighted the activities and contributions of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, MINILS.
The 66th Independence anniversary celebration also featured goodwill messages from representatives of various agencies and labour unions, including the Chairman of the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Comrade Ahmed Abdullateef.
