Chairman, Kwara state chapter of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Alhaji Abdulrahman Olayinka Onikijipa, has been inaugurated as the new state Chairman of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC)

Onikijipa was inaugurated alongside members of the State Administrative Council at the Sixth Triennial State Delegates’ Conference of the union held at the main auditorium of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Ilorin, at the weekend.

The acting Secretary General of TUC, Comrade Hassan Anka, who represented the union’s President, Festus Osifo, performed the swearing-in ceremony and administered the oath of office and allegiance to the new executive, who emerged through consensus.

Osifo, in his remarks, said the emergence of the state administrative council, devoid of rancour and acrimony, was a product of consensus building among stakeholders.

He noted that other unions need to take a cue from the idea, which he said, would lessen bitterness and inordinate quest for power within the unionism circle.

The TUC President warned against unhealthy rivalry in the leadership of the union, saying that the actions of the new executive must be in accordance with the law book of organized labour.

He also called members of the union to work harmoniously with the newly inaugurated leadership and added that progress would remain elusive in a crisis-centred union.

Describing his inauguration as a new dawn in the annals of the congress in the state, Onikijipa pledged not to disappoint members of the union.

The new state chairman, who acknowledged the enormity of responsibility on his shoulders, promised that he would not be tired of working for the state council of the Congress in all capacities.

Onikijipa thanked Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration for providing the best-needed business environment for members of TUC to thrive.

He solicited the support and cooperation of members of the congress, adding that the union could only attain its set goals with all hands on deck.

“I stand before you, dear comrades, with a vow that I will not disappoint this huge trust. I stand before you, great comrades, to tell you that with your invaluable support and cooperation and our zeal, valour and commitment, we are taking this Congress to greater heights.

“I stand before you, gallant comrades, affirming you as my leaders and I, your humble servant. Speak and I shall hear. Order and I shall obey! Ask and I shall answer! Dear comrades, seek and I shall grant.

“From this moment forward, it is going to be work and work and work. I will not be tired of serving in all capacities.

“At this juncture, ladies and gentlemen, comrades, it is important to appreciate the state government under the leadership of our go-getter governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for providing the best-needed business environment for us to thrive. Our loyalty is strong and healthy.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the National Leadership of the Trade Union Congress for their support and dedication to the course of the Union. We will work with them to achieve greatness together,” Onikijipa said.

Inaugurated at the sixth triennial delegates’ conference were state Vice Chairman of TUC, Abdulganiyu Balogun; Secretary, Raji Azeez; Second Assistant Secretary, Sarat Folake Mohammed; Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abdulraheem Oladimeji; ex-Officio, Joseph Tunde; and another ex-Officio, Saliu Gidado among others.