The Trade Union Congress (TUC), Delta State Council, has elected Comrade Wilson Asekutu as its new chairman, following a smooth, unopposed victory at the first quadrennial delegates’ conference held in Asaba.
The President General of the TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo, represented by Comrade Oluchi-Favour Ubani, hailed the peaceful conduct of the exercise, describing it as a demonstration of the maturity and democratic ethos of the Congress in the state.
He commended the commitment of labour stakeholders to strengthening the organisation across all strata.
Osifo lauded the incoming executives and expressed optimism that their tenure would deliver renewed energy and improved service to workers nationwide. He also applauded the outgoing leadership headed by Comrade Martins Bolum for what he called its “solid foundation and selfless service,” which he said had placed the union on a trajectory of sustained growth.
The TUC helmsman used the forum to highlight the worsening economic hardship confronting Nigerian workers, noting that millions “are groaning under the weight of a harsh and unforgiving economy.” He urged governments at all tiers to introduce urgent and humane measures to cushion the burden on workers and their dependants.
Goodwill messages poured in from labour leaders, including the immediate past chairman, Comrade Martins Bolum—represented by Comrade Kenneth Okwudi—who applauded the new leadership and urged them to prioritise workers’ welfare. A motion dissolving the outgoing executive was formally adopted before the Returning Officer, Comrade Oluchi-Favour Ubani, conducted the election that produced the Asekutu-led team.
Comrade Asekutu and members of his executive were subsequently sworn in to pilot the affairs of the state council for the next four years.
In his acceptance speech, Comrade Wilson Asekutu expressed deep appreciation to the delegates for the trust placed in him.
He pledged to provide visionary and courageous leadership, while acknowledging the support of the TUC President General and his predecessor, Comrade Bolum Martins.
Asekutu vowed to tackle the pressing challenges confronting workers, including casualisation, unsafe workplaces, poor wages and widespread job insecurity.
He stressed the need for unity within the labour movement and promised to foster stronger cohesion that would reinforce the Congress.
Others elected include Comrade Okafor Henry (Secretary), Comrade Umoru Idowu (Treasurer), Comrade Orhuerakpor Jude (Assistant Secretary), Comrade Moses Agware (Public Relations Officer), Comrade Festus George (Auditor), Comrade Leo Omoreigie (Financial Secretary), Comrade Blessing Ekpe (Chairperson, TUC CWC) and Comrade Emeshili (Secretary, TUC CWC).
Asekutu, who hails from Tsekelewu in Egbema Kingdom, Warri North Local Government Area, previously served on the PENGASSAN Warri Zonal Central Working Committee and is a former member of the National Executive Committee.
His emergence is viewed as a fresh chapter for organised labour in Delta State, with expectations that his leadership will elevate the standard of worker protection and labour advocacy in the years ahead.
0 Comments