Shipping branch MWUN elects Abass Oluyinka as new President

Shipping branch MWUN elects Abass Oluyinka as new President

  

Comrade Abass Olufemi Oluyinka has been elected as the President of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) Shipping, Clearing, Forwarding Agencies workers branch for the next four years.

Oluyinka who succeeds Comrade Ekpeyong Ekpeyong after two terms in office was elected unopposed at the 6th Branch Quadrennial Delegates Conference held at the Union’s Secretariat in Lagos on Monday.

Until his emergence, Oluyinka was the Vice President of the branch.

He was elected alongside six others namely: Rosemary Otikpere, Vice President; Philip Mukoro, Treasurer; Williams Boniface Jon, Trustee; Com. Ubah Ugochukwu, Trustee; Com. Fowowe Micheal, Auditor and Com. Pat Eyonsa Paloma as Special Female member.

In his acceptance speech, Oluyinka solicits members’ support, just as he urged them to foster unity to enable him and his executives carry out the task ahead.

His words, “I am humbled today to take these assignment to carry forward the leadership of the Shipping branch. I am aware of the task ahead of me and I know how big it is. With the help of our leaders, I know we will definitely get there.

“We cannot do it alone as executives, we are just being sworn in and I believe with your help, that which we are expecting, whatever may be the task ahead of us, we will surely achieve it. I only want to implore you that we need to register in our unity this time around.

“We need to work together. Whatever that might have happened in the past, let it be the past.I want us to work together as one and achieve this goal together.”

Comrade Oluyinka also expressed gratitude to his predecessor, Comrade Ekpeyong and the President General of the Union, Comrade Francis Bunu for his leadership and timely action in conducting the branch’s election stating that,”with the collaboration of the national executives, we, working together with you, I know we are going to be a formidable force”.

Earlier, while declaring the conference open, President General of the Union, Comrade Francis Bunu warned against branch officers who fail to collaborate with unit and district officers.

President General of MWUN, Comrade Francis Bunu ( middle), outgone President, Shipping branch, Comrade Ekpeyong Ekpeyong ( right) and Acting Secretary General of MWUN, Comrade Oniha Erazue during the shipping branch delegates conference in Lagos on Monday.

According to him, the unit and district officers are the pillar and foundation of the Union.

His words, “I will not tolerate any branch officer that does not work with the district officers.When you don’t work with your district, you are only digging your grave because that is where the bulk of the work lies.”

Bunu, while highlighting the autonomy and importance of the unit and district chairmen emphasized that negotiations with employers cannot be completed without their involvement

The President General commended the outgone President Ekpeyong for his successful tenure and expressed confidence in the new leadership while pointing out that targets set must be met.

Outgone President of the Shipping branch, Comrade Ekpeyong, in his address highlighted the achievements of the branch during his leadership.

He pointed to successful collective bargaining agreements that led to improved workers’ conditions and benefits, including increased salaries, paid leave allowances, among others.

He announced the establishment of minimum pension standards, a significant milestone he said was achieved with the support of former President-General Comrade Prince Adewale Adeyanju and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

Ekpeyong also announced the unionization of the Lilypond Export Command and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN).

Ekpeyong expressed appreciation to the branch administrative committee and employers for their collaboration.

Advising the new leadership, Ekpeyong urged them to “stay focused and courageous in fulfilling their purpose.

“Prioritize members welfare and well being. Use your authority and knowledge of labour laws to protect workers’ rights and prevent them from being unfairly exploited or sacrificed.

“I have no doubt that you will continue to lift higher the banner of excellence, reliance, sacrifice and sustainable output to the service of members who look up to you for direction and protection, ” he said.

Representatives from various shipping employers, including GAC Shipping and GMT, present at the conference extended their best wishes to the newly elected branch executives for a successful tenure.