Buhari greets Labor leaders, Sunmonu at 80, Aremu at 60; Hails ex Super Eagles Coach, Chukwu at 70
President Muhammadu Buhari has sent messages of congratulations to labor leader, Issa Aremu, former Nigerian Labor Congress, NLC President, Hassan Adebayo Sunmonu and former Super Eagles Coach, Christian Chukwu on their birthdays.
In different messages by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), President Buhari rejoiced with the three men as well as with Comrade Sunmonu’s twin brother Hussein.
In his message to trade unionist and labour leader, Comrade Issa Aremu, on his 60th birthday, today, January 8th, 2021,President Buhari congratulated him for consistently standing for the welfare of the state and citizens.
“President Buhari joins family members, friends and associates in celebrating with the former Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who is a member of the executive council, and currently serves as the General Secretary of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NVTGTWN) and Vice President of IndustriALL Global Union.
“The President believes the labour leader displays a depth of wisdom and knowledge on the Nigerian economy, especially on activating employment by innovative and creative means, that deserves commendation, and his proposals on resuscitating the textile industries across the country also reveal love for the nation.
“As Comrade Aremu turns 60, the President extols his foresight, courage and forthrightness on national issues, urging more commitment and participation on issues that shape the future of the country.
“President Buhari wishes the labour leader more years of good health and longer life,” the statement said.
In his message to Comrade Sunmonu, President Buhari joined the NLC and workers across the country to celebrate Sunmonu, the pioneer President of the Congress (1978-1984), on his 80th birthday, January 7th, 2021.
“The President rejoices with the former NLC President and his twin brother, Hussein Oyekanmi Sunmonu, on the milestone, saluting their courage for dedicating most of their working life to public service, starting out early in the 60’s as staff of the Ministry of the then Works and Surveys.
“President Buhari affirms that the former Secretary-General of the Organization of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) left a strong legacy in the public service, and fought diligently for the welfare of the Nigerian worker, institutionalizing a national minimum wage and minimum pension scheme, and consistently negotiating with public and private sector employers on better packages for workers.
“As the identical twins turn octogenarians, the President extols their courage and discipline in always accepting to serve the nation, believing that their knowledge and experiences will continue to inspire many into public service and pressure groups, which continue to work with governments in fostering development.”
He prayed for good health and longer life for Alhaji Sunmonu and his brother, Hussein.
President Buhari also sent warm greetings to the “former coach of the Super Eagles, Christian Chukwu, on his 70th birthday, joining sports lovers, family and friends to celebrate the skilful footballer who captained the national team to lift its first African Nations Cup title in 1980.
According to the statement, the “President rejoices with the multi-talented and disciplined player on the auspicious period of turning a septuagenarian, affirming that his contributions to development of sports in Nigeria will always attract attention, particularly making the country proud by providing technical leadership for other national teams like those of Lebanon and Kenya.
“President Buhari also notes, with commendation, the efforts of the former Captain of Rangers International, Enugu, in strengthening the local league, which has over the years been the major feeder of the national team, and produced players that have featured in some of the best teams and championships in the world.
The President also prayed for improved health, strength and longer life for the former Super Eagles captain.
