Trade Union Congress (TUC), Delta State Council, Elects Comrade Wilson Asekutu as its New Chairman

 

By Wilson Macaulay

The Trade Union Congress (TUC), Delta State Council, has elected Comrade Wilson Asekutu as its new Chairman. He emerged unopposed at the first quadrennial delegates’ conference held in Asaba, marking a seamless transition of leadership within the state labour movement.

The President General of the TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo, who was represented at the conference by Comrade Oluchi-Favour Ubani, described the peaceful electoral process as a clear reflection of the maturity, discipline, and democratic strength of the Congress in Delta State. He commended stakeholders for their shared determination to consolidate a stronger and more resilient TUC across all levels.

Osifo congratulated the newly elected executive committee and expressed confidence that their four-year tenure would be characterized by renewed vigour, steadfast commitment, and impactful service to the Nigerian workforce. He further praised the outgoing executive led by Comrade Martins Bolum for what he termed its “solid foundation and selfless service,” which, he noted, positioned the union on the path of sustained progress.

The TUC President General used the occasion to draw attention to the plight of millions of Nigerian workers who, according to him, “are groaning under the weight of a harsh and unforgiving economy.” He urged governments at all levels to implement urgent, humane, and decisive interventions to cushion the suffering of the labour force and their families.

Similarly, goodwill messages from labour leaders, including the immediate past Chairman, Comrade Martins Bolum—represented by Comrade Kenneth Okwudi—praised the new executive and urged them to place workers’ welfare at the top of their agenda. A formal motion was subsequently raised and adopted for the dissolution of the outgoing executive, paving the way for the Returning Officer, Comrade Oluchi-Favour Ubani, to conduct the election that produced the Asekutu-led Exco .

At the end of the proceedings, Comrade Wilson Asekutu and his executive were sworn in to steer the affairs of the Delta State Council of the TUC for the next four years.

In his acceptance speech, Comrade Wikson Asekutu the newly elected  Chairman expressed profound gratitude to the delegates for the confidence reposed in him and his team. He pledged to justify their trust through visionary and courageous leadership. He also thanked the TUC President General, Comrade Festus Osifo, and his predecessor, Comrade Bolum Martins, for their unwavering support.

Asekutu vowed to confront critical challenges affecting workers, including casualisation, unsafe working environments, poor remuneration, and widespread job insecurity. He also emphasized the importance of unity within the labour movement and promised to build bridges that would further strengthen the Congress.

Those elected alongside Comrade Asekutu 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).

Comrade Wilson Asekutu hails from Tsekelewu in Egbema Kingdom, Warri North Local Government Area. Before his elevation to the chairmanship position, he served as a member of the PENGASSAN Warri Zonal Central Working Committee and was also a member of the National Executive Committee.

The election of Asekutu is widely seen as a new dawn for organised labour in Delta State, with expectations high that his administration will raise the bar of worker protection and labour advocacy across the state.