The General Secretary of the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa), Comrade Akhator Afolabi Joel Odigie, has called on the British government to support Africa’s trade unions quest to strengthen democracy within the continent.
Comrade Odigie made the call when he met with British Ministers to discuss democracy and development in Africa.
The meeting held separately with Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa, and Rt. Hon. Anneliese Dodds, Minister for Development at the Westminister.
Comrade Odigie, after the meeting, hinted that the talks, which mainly focused on contributing to Africa’s democracy and developmental growth, were “rich, stimulating and rewarding”.
During the meetings, Odigie emphasized the critical role African trade unions play in advancing democracy and contributing to the continent’s development aspirations.
He stressed the need for international solidarity and support to consolidate democracy and achieve shared progress and prosperity.
“Africa’s trade unions are committed to creating a continent that works for everyone,” Odigie said at the meeting with the Minister for Africa (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Africa), The Lord Collins of Highbury.
ITUC-Africa’s General Secretary opined that though the situation in the African continent remains dire, organised workers do not have the luxury of lamentation. He said Instead, African trade unions are digging deeper and more robust in their efforts to ensure the birth of an Africa that works for everyone and all communities.
In his reaction, Lord Collins, a former trade union leader, expressed the Labour Party’s readiness to support African trade unions, governments, and stakeholders.
Odigie also discussed climate change management and financing at a separate meeting with Rt. Hon. Dodds, urging the UK to take a leading role in negotiating satisfactory financing for climate change management and driving a just transition.
Rt. Hon. Dodds reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Africa’s inclusive economic growth. “We’re excited to work with enthusiastic African development actors,” she said.
The meetings came as Comrade Odigie attended the 156th Congress of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of the United Kingdom, where he was a special guest.
The ITUC-Africa leader’s visit highlighted the importance of international cooperation in advancing democracy and development in Africa.
