Workers’ Day : Merchant Navy Union Champions Mental Health Priority For Seafarers’
The official global theme for May Day 2026 is “Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment” (ILO). It spotlights mental health, stress, burnout, work-life balance, and preventing workplace harassment. For Nigeria, it’s “Insecurity, Poverty: The Bane of Decent Work.”
On this 1st of May—Workers’ Day—the National President of the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNO/WTSSA), Chief Engineer Bob Joseph Yousuo, celebrates Nigerian workers, International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) members, and workers worldwide for their strength, dignity, and resilience..
In a statement e-signed by
Comr. (Elder) Aleakhue John Okpono
Secretary General, NMNO/WTSSA, and made available to DAILYFOCUS NIGERIA,
the National President said: “To every Nigerian worker: your sacrifice builds our nation daily.”
” From the ports to the fields, classrooms to factories, your hands keep the economy moving. You are the engine room, the powerhouse.
“We see you, we honour you, we sincerely appreciate and laud our seafarers. We acknowledge your contributions to the world economy. Your selfless sacrifices keep the world together.
“To our partners at the ITF and other stakeholders within and outside Nigeria: thank you for standing with us in the fight for fair wages, safer workplaces, and respect for seafarers and transport workers worldwide. Solidarity remains our greatest weapon—united we stand, divided we fall.”, the National President reiterated.
According to him, “To global workers: your struggle is our struggle. As we march today, we reaffirm our commitment to unity, justice, and decent work for all. We must encourage ourselves to be courageous and firm in the fight against our common enemy—the slave masters of our time.”
Yousuo added that that “May this Workers’ Day remind us that progress is possible only when workers are valued, protected, and empowered. Once again, congratulations and happy Workers’ Day.”