ILC: World Leaders Commend Somavia’s Leadership

World leaders at the on-going International Labour Conference (ILC), last Wednesday paid tribute to Mr. Juan Somavia for his service to the organisation since 1999 as Director General.

At the session, speakers commended the Director General for his foresight in bringing to the fore several issues that became a common burden to the world.

The Minister of Labour, Chief Emeka Wogu, the leader of the Nigeria delegation, in his speech to the plenary, commended Somavia for his contributions to the ILO.

“Permit me to also acknowledge the laudable role of the outgoing Director General of the ILO, Mr. Jaun Somavia for his tireless efforts in providing services to governments, employers and workers in member states and for promoting comprehensive policies for the realisation of the Decent Work Agenda in the global multi-lateral system’’.

Wogu urged the in-coming Director General not to only sustain the tempo already recorded by the organisation but improve on it.

The minister also congratulated the in-coming Director General, Mr Guy Ryder, for a well-deserved victory and wished him many years of successful tenure.

“We hope that the laudable achievements of the ILO in the recent past would not only be sustained by the incoming Director General but shall be greatly improved upon.

Responding, Somavia attributed the success recorded during his tenure to the support of the member countries, and urged them to extend same to this successor.

Reports say that Somavia pushed for programmes that would address youth unemployment, social security package for all, decent work agenda, and respect for tripartite obligations.