THE newly appointed Minister of Labour and Productivity, Sen. Joel Ikenya, on Thursday in Abuja pledged to promote industrial harmony among labour unions in the country.
A statement issued by Mr Samuel Olowookere, the Deputy Director (Press) in the ministry, quoted the Ikenya as saying this while taking over from the Supervising Minister, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki.
While commending Turaki for his efforts, Ikenya said he would build on the good works of his predecessor by strengthening industrial peace through active promotion of dialogue.
He stressed that his coming was to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessors.
“I have come to consolidate on the victory you have obtained for this country; I promise not to disappoint Mr President and I will not disappoint my state and Nigeria at large.’’
He affirmed his readiness to work as a team with the entire management and staff of the ministry towards sustaining industrial peace and harmony in the country.
Turaki, in his handing over speech, said that he was leaving the ministry better than he met it.
“When I came, I met a lot of protracted industrial disputes; some arose while I was here, but today, I am handing over to you a ministry that is strike-free.
“When I leave this office today, I can look back, beat my chest and say I came, I saw and I conquered,’’ the statement quoted Turaki as saying.
Also speaking, Dr Clement Illoh, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, extolled the achievements of the supervising minister.
He assured the new minister of the total support of the management and entire staff of the ministry towards the sustenance of industrial peace and harmony.
Sen. Joel Ikenya
