By Praise Chinecherem
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Anambra state chapter has disclosed plans to roll out free medical tests for workers in the state as part of the events to commemorate the 2025 Worker’s Day.
Chairman, Comrade Humphrey Nwafor dropped the hint during a chat with newsmen shortly after a football march between Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) and Nigeria Union of Mine Workers (NUMW).
He said the initiative tagged: “know your status,” was aimed at promoting workers’ health and well-being, and would offer various medical screenings and tests.
According to Nwafor, the free medical tests would be given to over 2,000 workers in the state as part of NLC’s efforts to improve workers’ welfare and living standard.
He said the event would be held in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and the Dr Nonye Soludo Healthy Living Initiative.
“On 30th April, at 10am, we’ll be having healthy living with the wife of the Executive Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, where the Ministry of Health, Healthy Living Initiative will come and talk to over 2,000 workers.
“They will teach us about healthy living and what it takes to live a healthy life. We considered this because when we make wealth without good health, the wealth is useless,” he said.
Speaking on the football competition, the NLC boss said the competition was designed to celebrate the unity and solidarity among workers in Anambra State.
“The programme started on Monday, featuring players who are members of civil servants in Anambra. As we know, these unions are key governance bodies in the state.
“We have about 40 unions in the state, with around 37 active ones. Earlier today, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Civil Service Union played for third place. Now, the finalists are competing.
“The aim of this game is to bring affiliate unions together, fostering brotherhood. As the saying goes, ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.’
“This isn’t about professional sports; it’s about entertainment and enjoying each other’s company.”
Special Adviser on Youths, Sports, and Special Duties to the Mayor of Awka South LGA, Hon. Kingsley Ikebudu who kick-off the competition, praised NLC for organizing the competition, highlighting its role in promoting unity and love among workers in the state.
Chairman, May Day Planning Committee, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, said the free medicare would hold on Wednesday April 30, 2025, at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre.
Commending the NLC Chairman for the initiative, his thoughtfulness and commitment to the welfare of workers, Odogwu urged Nigerians in Anambra to seize the opportunity of Wednesday look after their health for healthy living.
He disclosed other line-up of activities of NLC to include: Session with Anambra Small Business Agency (ASBA), a gala night, and the grand finale at the Alex Ekwueme square on May 1, 2025.
He also said thanksgiving outing would mark the end of the 2025 workers day activities.
Chairman of the NLC sub-committee on sports, Comrade Ifeanyichukwu Ezeoke, congratulated the teams, saying the activities were to improve health, foster unity and comradeship among affiliate unions in the state.
Meanwhile, Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) emerged as the winner of the NLC cup after defeating Nigeria Union of Mine Workers (NUMW) 2-1 in the keenly contested game played at Igwebuike Grammar School football field.
