UNIONISTS, LAWMAKERS, GBARAIN-EKPETIAMA INDIGENES, OTHER WELL WISHERS ROLL OUT DRUMS FOR GRAND RECEPTION IN HONOUR OF HON. OBIYAI AS BAYELSA STATE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR

01/05/2024

Newly sworn-in Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Hon. Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku Obiyai, has been tasked to bring her wealth of expertise to bare as a seasoned labour leader whose passion for service is unparalleled.

This charge was handed down by Sir Mathias Otuogha, who stood as Chairman of the Occasion at a grand reception organized in honour of Hon. Obiyai, immediately after her formal inauguration as a Commissioner in the Bayelsa State Executive Council (SEC) by Governor Douye Diri, in Government House, Yenagoa on Monday, April, 29th, 2024.

Sir Otuogha, on behalf of the people of YELGA Constituency Two comprising Gbarain and Ekpetiama Clans, appreciated Governor Diri for finding their daughter worthy to served in his second tenure cabinet, as honourable commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, assured that going by her track record in the labour movement and her two-time stint in the House of Assembly, she is sure to deliver on her mandate in the labour, employment and productivity sectors.

Other dignitaries joined in the frenzy describing Hon. Obiyai as a round peg in round hole whose years in public service have exposed her to garner vast experiences both in theories and practicals as her competencies and efficient delivery of the Prosperity policies on labour and employment have never been in doubt.

"Labour is one strong sector the Prosperity Government has scored high. The governor is worker friendly as only recently he has joined in the comity of states paying the wage awards to workers. Salaries and promotions, have been implemented as of when due and the civil servants are indeed happy.

"Most of these achievements in labour circles of the Prosperity and Restoration Governments can be attributed to Hon. Obiyai, who had previously served as the Bayelsa State NLC Chairperson as well as Chairperson of House Committee on labour in the State Assembly. So she knows her onions and workers can relate with her as their own and are happy that one of their own has been allowed to serve them in that capacity. So her appointment is a win-win for all" they stated.

Notable figures who graced the reception in honour of Hon. Mrs Obiyai, in Yenagoa, were her former colleagues and lawmakers from the State Assembly amongst other top political figures including the immediate past Commissioners for Information and Strategy (Hon. Ayibaina Duba) and that of Health (Dr Pabara Igwelle) and former Chairman of YELGA Council, Hon. Oroupaye Nimizuogha.

Also on the roll call were: Hon. Ayibadengiyefa Egba, (YELGA I); Hon. Ted Elemeforo (YELGA III):m, Hon. Godbless Oyinke (SALGA I) and Hon. Ebiye Tarabina 

Others included: the PDP National Organizing Secretary, Hon. Daniel Wonyinkuro; the State PDP Secretary, Hon. Gesiye Isowo, the State PDP Organizing Secretary, and The RDA Chairman of Gbarain-Ekpetiama, Hon. Mission.

Labour unions were in their peak as nurses and members of the Nigerian Association of Nurses and Midwives (NANM) led by the incumbent State Chairperson Comrade Nurse Andabai Ebiokpo Sonia and her predecessor, Comrade Erebi, and the Auditor General of YELGA Council who doubled as the immediate past Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Comrade Tari Dounana expressed glowing tributes to attest of the competence of Hon. Obiyai to deliver on her mandate as Prosperity Commissioner in the labour sector.

"Comrade Obiyai is a veteran in labour movement in Bayelsa. Her efforts for workers welfare are in tandem with the prosperity mantra of the Miracle Governor. She's sure to change the narrative. We are pleased with her ascendance in politics." They averred 

Members of the academia from the State Owned Niger Delta University, where the celebrant's husband, Associate Professor Koku Obiyai, works as a varsity don, were also present to rejoice with their one of their counterparts.

In her remarks, the newly inaugurated Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku Obiyai, thanked all well wishes for their prayers and support as she poured encomiums on Governor Diri for finding her worthy to serve in this capacity as commissioner in the Bayelsa State Executive Council.

Hon. Obiyai assured that she will give her best to ensure that the Governor's Prosperity Policy on labour matters are effortlessly brought to bare in the lives of workers in the state. 

Highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of gifts of wrapper and adorning  of the celebrant as a mark of honour by the people of Polaku Community. Her relatives from Tombia community were also present and expressed their excitement for her new role as cabinet commissioner in the Governor Diri-led administration.

The vuvuzelas blarred in high tones as izon music blasted in sweet rhythm.Women, youths edere and other unionists took their dance steps in turns to the floor in jubilation for the appointment of Hon. Comrade Obiyai into the Bayelsa State Executive Cabinet.