39th Edition of Labour Day Celebration at SODECAO

Labour Day 2025: A Renewed Commitment towards Development

As every year, Cameroonian workers united to celebrate International Labour Day, marking the 139th edition of this iconic event. The theme chosen for this year, 2025: “Social Dialogue and Decent Work, For a Peaceful Cameroon”, resonated powerfully within SODECAO, which made every effort to ensure this celebration was unforgettable.

The day kicked off with an impressive parade at the May 20 Boulevard, where SODECAO proudly marched alongside other companies, highlighting the importance of workers in their environment. The event continued at the company’s headquarters, providing a moment of communion and conviviality between management and staff. In a determined speech, the staff delegate stated, “To our fellow workers who have mandated us, we reaffirm our commitment to perform our duties with diligence.” He emphasized that the Director General had been attentive to their concerns.

In his address, the Director General praised the efforts of his team while urging them to double their commitment to hard work. “Hard work puts food on our table and hard work will help to boost our performance and also propel our country towards emergence,” he asserted. He stressed the importance of discipline, which he deemed essential, and encouraged the staff to continue their commitment to the development of SODECAO.

Les résultats tangibles de cette année témoignent d’un dynamisme sans précédent : l’opérationnalisation des unités extérieures est en plein essor, avec 102 unités désormais actives, contre seulement 52 l’année précédente. Concernant la production de cabosses semences, une avancée notable a été réalisée : 360 000 cabosses, contre 192 000 lors de la campagne précédente. Ce dynamisme a permis d’atteindre un record de production de plants, passant de moins de 3 millions à 9 millions cette campagne. Parmi ces plants, 5 millions proviennent des 102 unités extérieures de la SODECAO, tandis que 4 millions sont issus du réseau de pépiniéristes partenaires.

This year's tangible results reflect an unprecedented dynamism: the operationalization of external units is thriving, with 102 units now active, up from just 52 last year. Notably, seed pod production has surged to 360,000, compared to 192,000 in the previous season. This momentum has led to a record plant production, soaring from under 3 million to 9 million this season. Of these plants, 5 million come from SODECAO's 102 external units, while 4 million are sourced from partner nurseries. Other significant achievements include: the georeferencing of agricultural operations, the parcelling of 13 hectares of farmland in Meyomessi, the construction of a living base for workers, and the opening of 2.5 kilometres of access road to the Bikoue production plantation, including several hydraulic structures and dikes.

These exceptional results bear witness to the unwavering commitment of the workers. These concrete achievements are the product of collective dedication, and it is crucial to maintain this momentum, he underscored.

The palpable enthusiasm in the air signals a promise of continuity and development. Energized by this celebration, the workers are committed to intensifying their efforts to reach the ambitious goal of 12 million plants in the near future.

 The theme of social dialogue and decent work should not fade with the celebration, but remain at the heart of SODECAO's concerns throughout the year. The Labour Day 2025 celebration at SODECAO ended on a note of optimism and determination, with all eyes set on future celebrations.

By NJK