The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Kamil A. Shoretire has observed that media remains one of the most powerful instruments that can promote constructive dialogue and contribute to industrial peace and harmony.
According to him, "an accurate and responsible reporting can promote constructive dialogue and contribute to industrial peace and harmony.
"In the same vain,inaccurate, incomplete or sensational reporting of sensitive labour matters can create misunderstanding, heighten tension and undermine ongoing efforts at the reconciliation."
Dr. Shoretire made the observation while officially open a one day training workshop for Labour Correspondents organised by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja recently with a theme:"Strengthening Media capacity for effective reporting on labour and employment issues as it affects employment and wages, occupational safety and health, and skills certification and development."
He said one of the key objectives of the workshop was to strengthen the capacity of Labour Reporters to report labour and employment issues with greater depth, professionalism and accuracy.
He maintained that Labour Reporters should go beyond reporting strikes, wage negotiations, industrial disputes and meetings between government and organised labour. Saying that they requires a sound understanding of labour laws, industrial relations, collective bargaining, occupational safety and health, social security, employment policies and the responsibilities of the various actors in the world of work.
He said the workshop organised by his ministry was timely initiated, coming at a period when labour and employment issues occupy a significant place in national discourse.
The world of work he said, is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological advancement, artificial intelligence, changing patterns of employment, demographic shifts, evolving industrial relations, and emerging concerns around social protection and decent work;
"It is therefore very important for Labour Reporters to approach their profession with accuracy, fairness, objectivity and a clear understanding of the issues being reported. thereby distinguishing between facts, allegations, opinions and interpretations'.Believing that a well-informed Labour Reporter, serves as an important bridge between government, employers, workers, trade unions and the general public.
"As we navigate the changing world of work, Labour Reporters must also keep pace with emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and its impact on employment, the gig and platform economy, social security, migration and labour mobility, occupational safety and health, skills development and the future of work.
"It is against this background.
I am particularly pleased that this training will provide an opportunity for participants to interact with experts and practitioners who will share knowledge and practical experiences on contemporary labour issues." He said.
The Permanent Secretary of Labour Ministry also recognised the media as a strategic partner in the promotion of sound labour administration and industrial peace, and welcomed constructive journalism that holds institutions accountable while also providing the public with balanced and reliable information.
Dr. Kamil while encouraging the
participants at the workshop to take full advantage of the sessions, ask questions, exchange ideas and develop professional networks that will continue beyond the workshop, he also reaffirmed that the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment remains committed to strengthening engagement with the media and ensuring that relevant information on government policies, programmes and interventions in the labour and employment sector would be made available to the public through appropriate channels.
"As we recognise the importance of continuous capacity building for journalists covering the labour sector.This workshop should therefore not be seen merely as a one-day event, but as part of a broader effort to strengthen professional labour journalism and improve public understanding of labour and employment matters.
I urge the participants to use the knowledge acquired here to enhance the quality of their reports and contribute positively to national development.
"Let me at this point commend the Head Press and Public Relations Unit, resource persons and all stakeholders who have contributed to the success of this programme. I also appreciate the Labour Reporters for their continued dedication to covering the activities of the labour sector.
"As I conclude, I wish to reiterate that a well-informed media is essential to an informed society, and responsible labour reporting is vital to promoting understanding, dialogue and harmonious industrial relations.
"I encourage you all to participate actively, learn from one another and use the knowledge gained to improve your professional practice." He concluded.
In his paper presentation, the Director, Skills Development and Certification Department in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment,Engr.(Dr.)Tiza Chiila Shaakaa disclosed that at the moment the department has a total of thirty-five (35) skills upgrading and vocational training Centre(SUVTCs) and most of which are functional, while training in vocational skills is currently ongoing in these Centres.
He also said the department which is
saddled with the responsibility of initiating and implementing Skills Development and Certification policies of the Federal Government. has a total of forty-two (42) Trade Testing
Engr. Shaakaa further explained that his
department has tested and certified a total number of three hundred and sixty six thousand, four hundred and nine (366,409) persons raking in the sum of five hundred and twenty one million, three hundred and sixty five thousand, eight hundred and seventy one naira (N 521,365,871.00) as Internally Generated Revenue(IGR) from trade testing activities within the period 2022 till date.
"You will all agree with me that, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment over the years has been creating job opportunities through the Skills Development and certification department in the areas of vocational and technical skills training, skills Apprenticeship and Traineeship regulation, control, enforcement and sustenance of standard practices, Attestation and Certification. These efforts among many others especially that of other sister departments are clearly aimed at reducing the high unemployment rate in the country and creating jobs opportunities for Nigerians". He said.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Head of the Press and Public Relations Unit, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Annah Daniel has commended the Labour Correspondents for their commitment in carried out the policies and programmes among other activities of the ministry to the progress and development of the country, and further called on them to continue maintain the relationship.
She also expressed her appreciation and commended the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for approving the workshop organised by her Press and Public Relations Unit of the ministry.
Also, in their paper presentations include the Director of Employment and Weges, Mr. Joseph Akpan, and the Director, Occupational Safety's and Health, Mrs. Florance Owie all highlighted on the mandates, achievements, and the challenges faced by their departments.
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