By ABIGAEL JOSHUA

The Chairman, Kwara State Chapter of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Abdulrahman Onikijipa, has been inaugurated as the new state Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Onikijipa was inaugurated alongside members of the State Administrative Council at the Sixth Triennial State Delegates’ Conference of the union held at the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, Ilorin on Friday.

The acting national Secretary General of TUC, Hassan Anka, who represented the union’s President, Festus Osifo, performed the swearing – in and administered the oath of office on the new executives, who emerged through consensus.

Osifo, in his speech, said the emergence of the state administrative council, devoid of rancour and acrimony, was a product of consensus building among stakeholders.

He said that other unions needed to take a cue from the idea, which he said, would lessen bitterness and inordinate quest for power within the union.

The TUC President warned against unhealthy rivalry in the leadership of the union, saying that the actions of the new executives must be in line with laws of the organized labour.

Osifo also called on members of the union to work harmoniously with the newly inaugurated leadership adding that progress would remain elusive in a crisis-centred union.

Describing his inauguration as a new dawn in the annals of the congress in the state, Onikijipa pledged not to disappoint members of the union.

The new Kwara chairman, who acknowledged the enormity of responsibility on his shoulders, promised that he would not be tired in working for the state council of the congress in all capacities.

Onikijipa thanked Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration for providing the best business environment for members of TUC to thrive.

He called for the support of members of the congress, adding that the union could only attain its goals with all hands on deck.

“I stand before you, dear comrades, with a vow that I will not disappoint this huge trust. I stand before you, great comrades, to tell you that with your invaluable support and cooperation and our zeal, valour and commitment, we are taking this Congress to greater heights.

“I stand before you, gallant comrades, affirming you as my leaders and I your humble servant. Speak and I shall hear. Order and I shall obey! Ask and I shall answer! Dear comrades, seek and I shall grant.

“From this moment forward, it is going to be work and work and work. I will not be tired to serve in all capacities,” Onikijipa said.

He thanked the state government for providing the best environment for the union to thrive saying, “our loyalty is strong and healthy”.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the national leadership of the Trade Union Congress for their support and dedication to the course of the Union. We will work with them to achieve greatness together,” Onikijipa said.

Also inaugurated at the conference were, state Vice Chairman of TUC, Abdulganiyu Balogun; Secretary, Raji Azeez; Second Assistant Secretary, Sarat Folake Mohammed; Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Oladimeji; ex-Officio, Joseph Tunde; and ex-Officio, Saliu Gidado among others.

Onikijipa took over from the last chairman, Tunde Joseph. (NAN)

•New Kwara TUC Chairman, Abdulrahman Onikijipa, speaking at the Sixth Triennial State Delegates’ Conference in Ilorin

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