The Ondo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Friday elected Comrade Olopade Ademola as the new chairman of the Congress in the state.
Ademola, who is the State Chairman of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), emerged as the NLC chairman in a by-election following the retirement of Comrade Victor Amoko, who left public service eight months ago.
Olopade was declared the winner on Friday at the NLC Secretariat, Ondo Road, Akure, after his lone opponent, Comrade Akinyemi Olatunbosun of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), withdrew from the race.
Olatunbosun, the state NLC Vice Chairman, disclosed that he decided to step down for the overall progress of the labour movement in the state and to protect the interests of state workers.
Speaking after the election, Ademola, in his acceptance speech, commended the determination and sportsmanship of his opponent for stepping down.
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Ademola vowed to work towards enhanced welfare packages for workers in the state, stating that he considers his election a crucial responsibility in representing and advocating for the welfare of the hardworking labour force in the coastal state.
He said: “I can assure you that Ondo State NLC is fully back. NLC will continue to triumph in Ondo State.”
The NLC Returning Officer and General Secretary of the National Union of Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE), Comrade Mike Olarenwaju, who administered the oath of office to Olopade, described the election as free, fair, and transparent.
“The election and its outcome were commendable because, when I arrived in the morning, there was fear and tension. However, the leaders have shown their sense of purpose, displayed unity, and demonstrated that service is for the people, not personal gain.
“I am highly impressed that the workers and labour leaders in the state have shown the world that there is unity in the labour movement, just as it applies to the Nigeria Labour Congress at the national level.”
The State Head of Service, Bayo Philips, represented by Mr. Sunday Omirin, along with the Controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mrs. Olanike Mogboruko, and labour leaders from the Southwest states, charged the new chairman to run a transparent and all-inclusive administration.
Omirin said: “My humble advice to the new chairman is to run a transparent and inclusive administration. He should embark on absolute and unhindered reconciliation of all members.
“He should bring them together and ensure that he prioritizes the interests and welfare of workers in Ondo State.”
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Leke Adegbite, who chaired the Electoral Committee that conducted the election, commended the union members for conducting themselves in an orderly manner.
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