The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), has inaugurated its Seafarers Unit in Gbaramatu, Warri West Local Government Area of Delta state.
The inauguration was done by Comrade Eze Robert, a trustee of the branch, on behalf of the President of the union, Comrade Adewale Adeyuju, who was unavoidably absent.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Comrade Eze informed members that the unit has international affiliations which give the body the opportunity to speak on international issues.
He urged the new member to take advantage of the human capacity development opportunities in the Maritime University sited in their domain.
Giving details, Comrade Eze stated that the union is a registered trade union, under Decree 4 of 1996, as amended in Trade Union Act of 2004.
“So, when you go out there looking for what belongs to you, remember to quote the law that gave you power and mandate to operate,” he said.
Comrade Eze added that the union is affiliated to International Labour Organization (ILO), International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Transport Workers Federation (ITWF) and the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC).
“So, the unit inaugurated today is not only local or national, it is equally international. The union has given us a voice to speak both on national and international issues,” he stressed.
Continuing, he stated that the union is involved in human capital development. “That is why the Maritime University is a plus to each and every one of you.
“It means every child born here, is a born seafarer. The school is in your backyard. And I am sure it is going to be free for every citizen of this kingdom.
“So, I want to encourage you as your children are growing up, in the past, it used to be men’s business but as I’m talking to you now we have so many women who are on vessels. So it is no longer men’s business.
“Your sons and your daughters must be made international seafarers. God has blessed the Niger Delta and there is nothing anybody can do about it. Because what others are looking for faraway, God has brought it to your backyard,” he concluded.
Comrade Eze later presented the union’s constitution to the newly elected chairman and the secretary of the newly inaugurated unit while charging them to pilot its affairs in line with the powers as contained in the constitution.
Responding, the chairman of the Gbaramatu Seafarers Unit, Comrade Okeren-Brakere Michael, promised to pilot the unit’s affairs in line with the powers of the constitution as well as look out for members’ benefits especially in relation to jobs and capacity training.
The new executive members of the unit as constituted are; Okeren-Brakere Michael (Chairman), Jacob Bebenimibo (Vice Chairman), Arthur Mulade Gbenekama (Secretary), Edi Joseph (Assistant Secretary), Alex Ojoh Pudi (Treasurer), Okoromadu Vincent (Ex-Official Member), Ebi Makaraba (Ex-Official Member), Marian Kosene (Member).
Others are; Timi Arukaba (Task Force Chairman), Manson Kpenfe (Member), Kelvin Fokitei (Member), Azor Columbus Okorugbo (Member), Isede Dennis (Member), Glory Ijoh (Member), Patrick Owei (Member), Adolf Bebenimibo (Member), and Fokitei Pius (Member).
Members of the union present at the inauguration ceremony together with the newly inaugurated executive later paid a courtesy visit on His Royal Majesty, Oboro Gbaraun II (Aketekpe, Agadagba), the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom at his palace where His Majesty offered prayers with a promise to support the unit.
By Abai Francis, Warri
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