The Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) has become the first male-dominated trade union to elect a female as its National President.
During its 9th Triennial Delegate Conference in Abuja at the weekend, the trade union elected Comrade Oyinkansola Olasanoye as its 9th National President.
In her acceptance speech, she assured the members that she will not betray the trust reposed on her by electing her as their National President.
According to her, “This is the first time that a woman will be elected as National President of this noble association. I am not unaware of the great challenges ahead of me as the National President of this great association, but I’m highly confident that I shall not disappoint you all. The sixth glorious and painstaking years I spent as your 1st National Deputy President has equipped me for this great assignment, the tutelage has been very thorough and with God almighty on my side coupled with the support of all of you, I shall not fail.
“In the course of the year ahead of us, and in the face of the very enormous challenges in our work environment, ASSBIFI under my leadership pledged to continue to be a veritable voice for sound corporate governance and accountability. Making use of International Labour Standards and best practices to enforce human rights of workers in the industry and organized bargain collectively.
“I appreciate the confidence you all have reposed in me and I must thank you for electing comrades of high discipline and impeccable characters to the central working committee (CWC). I promised to work well with them and carry all ASSBIFI members along as we move to the next dispensation.
“I extend my hands of fellowship and solidarity to all of you employers and other stakeholders, we will engender healthy industrial harmony and relationship without compromising any of the principles and core values of ASSBIFI. I also want to appreciate the confidence, the integrity, the grace in those that were seen to have lost elections today. You have not lost anything, you are just being propelled to greater assignment, trust in God and He will see you through.”
She also pledged to continue with TUC and other international labour unions to reinforce campaign against casualization and other poor form of labour; continue to follow global International Labour Organization (ILO) job path like sustainable work, decent work agenda and guidelines on sustainable development, great job and decent work for all and to increase workers’ awareness and involve them in the fight against corruption.
“My speech won’t be complete without acknowledging the leadership qualities and contribution of our able comrade Sunday Olusoji Salako. The nine years I have worked with you was very memorable. You pushed me until you brought the gold in my crude form. I thank you for your tutelage and I wish you success in all your official endeavor.
“During your tenure as National President of ASSBIFI, you were blue to distinguished yourself as a true democrat, a listening father to all. Please, we asked not to be too distant from us but rather make yourself available for fatherly advise anytime the needs arise,” she said.
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