The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and empowerment of workers in the state.

He made this declaration during the 2025 Labour Day celebrations held at the Peace Park, Yenagoa, the state capital.

Speaking to a large crowd of civil servants, labour union leaders, and informal sector workers, Diri paid glowing tribute to the dedication, resilience, and sacrifices of the Bayelsa workforce.

“As the son of a teacher and someone who has been a teacher myself, I deeply understand and respect the critical role workers play in shaping our society and economy,” Diri said.

Diri announced several key initiatives, including the recruitment of 1,000 new workers into the state civil service, engagement of additional teachers for secondary and technical schools, among others.

“These projects are not just physical structures. They are platforms for opportunity, employment, and growth,” he noted.

He also urged workers to take advantage of the expanded Bayelsa Health Insurance Scheme and to adopt healthy lifestyles through the Weekly Prosperity Workout initiative.

The governor acknowledged and appreciated the unity and cooperation of the organised labour unions and pledged to carefully consider the requests presented by labour leaders during the celebrations.

A major highlight of the event was the announcement of the completion of the new Labour House, described by Governor Diri as a “fitting symbol of partnership and progress between government and labour.”

Reiterating his administration’s vision for inclusive development, Diri said, “The story of Bayelsa’s progress is being written daily with your hands, hearts, and hopes. Together, we will continue to build a just, prosperous, and glorious state.”

Chairman of the Bayelsa State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Barnabas Simon, who delivered the joint address of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress, pointed out that the average worker in the country has become insecure as the civic space has been hijacked by the ruling political class.

He applauded the state government for its worker-friendly programmes and policies, such as the implementation of the N80,000 new minimum wage.