The Chairman Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Dominic Abang has described the recent inauguration of women Commission of TUC in the State as an avenue for improved women particitation in leadership and decision making as it concerns welfare of women and their families.
Comrade Abang stated this in his welcome address during the official inauguration of Women Commission of TUC, Akwa Ibom State Chapter at Governor’s Office Annex, Willington Bassey Way, Uyo.
The Chairman said the exercise became pertinent for the present administration as prior to this time the commission was non-existence despite indispensable contributions of women in sustaining labour in the State.
“Today’s occasion is the beginning of the numerous challenges we have set for ourselves for the reformation of our congress. This is because prior to our assumption of office, the women commission had remained passive even to the point of non-existentence, despite their enormous contribution to the sustenance of labour in the state.
“As such, today’s inauguration of TUC women commission and the official opening of our temporary secretariat is symbolic to TUC, as it is the first of its kind by any administration in Akwa Ibom State. To this end, it became an urgent matter for us to raise the supporting pillars of our labour struggle – which is our women.
” And it is our belief that this inauguration would do just that and even enhance their participation in what had been laid at the National level – both in governance and labour”. Comrade Abang assured.
He seized the opportunity and commend the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel and Wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Martha Udom Emmanuel for supporting and identifying with the new dawn that shall enhance full participation of TUC women in Government programmes, schemes and policies for improved welfare package for the members.
The Chairman also appreciated the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey and members of the House, State executive council, members, leadership of TUC and the Women Commission at the national and other guests who graced the history making ceremony.
In her remarks, the wife of the State Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Martha Udom Emmanuel commended TUC for inaugurating the women Commission and sued for collective efforts in moving the union higher.
Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and women Affairs, Dr. Glory Edet, Mrs. Emmanuel stated that their leadership prowess and dealings in office shall either open or close doors against other women in the nearest future seeking positions of leadership.
While congratulating the newly inaugurated executive members of the commission, the first lady charged them on transparency, accountability as well as running an all inclusive tenure.
On his part the National Chairperson of TUC women Commission, Comrade Afusatu Shaibu appreciated Government of Akwa Ibom State for encouraging women with a formidable platform to contribute their quota in building the State.
The National Chairperson who was represented by the National Secretary of the Commission, Comrade Omolara Sansa lauded the initiative of Dr. Martha Udom Emmanuel for touching lives of the down trodden and vulnerable persons in the State through her pet project, FEYREP.
Also Speaking, the TUC National President, Comrade Quadri Olaleye, FCIA, disclosed that the Congress is working assiduously to register strong presence in every state of the Federation with the zeal of improving welfare of workers across the nation.
He charged women on sponsoring Bills that shall boast more women participation in leadership positions noting that Nigeria has the lowest number of female Parliamentarians in sub-saharan Africa; an unacceptable development that placed the country into the ratio of 133rd in the world for female political representation.
The National President while charging them on making unity their watch word, encouraged them on supporting each other in all ramifications for the general good of the Congress.
In her inaugural remarks, the Chairperson, TUC Women Commission, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Comrade Emilia Attah pledged giving her administration the best as well as carrying every member along for achievements of the goals and objectives of the commission within the stipudated years of her administration.
However, the ceremony which preceded official unveiling of TUC Temporary Secretariat at #213 Nsikak Eduok Avenue, received goodwill messages from Head of Civil Service, Nigeria Labour Congress, Management of Champion Brewery Plc with a lecture on the topic: “The role of Women in Governance and Labour Movement: The Akwa Ibom Experience, by Comrade Comfort Umanah.
Shortly after the inauguration of the women Commission, the TUC Temporary Secretariat was officially opened by the Head of Civil service, Elder Effiong Essien represented by Mrs. Ekaette Ekanem.
Elder Essien commended the leadership of TUC, Akwa Ibom State Council for hinting the ground running immediately after their election in June and described the ceremonies as double developments.
He charged them on maintaining the spate of reform embarked by the present administration for the good of all members.
At the Temporary Secretariat of TUC, the State Chairman, Comrade Abang while conducting guests round the facility immediately after the official opening, said the exercise is a pacesetter in the annuals of the Congress in the State.
Executive Members of TUC Women Commission Akwa Ibom State Chapter are; Comrade Emilia Attah – Chairperson, Comrade Magi Udang – Secretary, Comrade Ekaette Umoh – Vice Chairperson, Comrade Absiama Udo – Assistant Secretary, Comrade Blessing Lawrence – PRO, Comrade Affiong Akpabio – Financial Secretary,  Comrade Gloria Gibson – Auditor and Comrade Margaret Ntafiong – Ex-officio.
