🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Olawepo-Hashim urges Nigerian labor to defend democracy amid authoritarian tendencies
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Former presidential candidate and energy entrepreneur Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has called on Nigeria’s organized labor to proactively safeguard the nation’s democracy. During a visit to Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, Olawepo-Hashim warned of increasing authoritarian tendencies requiring vigilance from the working class. He emphasized that Nigeria's political and social progress is linked to the sacrifices of the working class, highlighting labor's historical role in the struggle for independence and against military dictatorship. Olawepo-Hashim stressed that democracy must improve citizen welfare, particularly for workers, to maintain its relevance, urging political leaders to focus on people-oriented policies. He noted that marginalizing workers could undermine democratic institutions and that inclusive governance is crucial for stability. Recalling his past as a student union leader supporting workers' struggles, he commended the NLC leadership under Ajaero for their courage in defending workers' rights, citing the upcoming Arthur Svensson Prize for Trade Union Rights for Ajaero as international recognition. Olawepo-Hashim advocated for stronger collaboration between labor leaders and political actors to deepen democratic values and ensure people-centered governance. The NLC, Nigeria’s largest trade union federation, along with the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, has been vocal on national issues like economic reforms, the rising cost of living, and
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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