Comrade Markson Nomso of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANP) Uwanna Afikpo has been elected Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Women Committee, Ebonyi State branch.
Markson scored 64 votes to defeat her closest rival, Comrade Lydia Onyekachi Idoanuka, who polled 34 votes, in an election held on Wednesday during the 6th NLC State Women Conference in Abakaliki.
In her acceptance speech, Markson expressed gratitude to delegates for the confidence reposed in her and commended members for the peaceful conduct of the exercise.
“I want to sincerely appreciate each and every one of us for conducting ourselves in a peaceful and respectful manner before, during and after this election. I pray that the Almighty God will continually uphold us and grant us the grace to lead the Women Committee to a greater height. You are all blessed. Thank you all,” she said.
Speaking after the poll, NLC Ebonyi State Council Chairman, Prof. Ogugua Egwu, commended delegates for conducting a free and fair election, noting that the outcome reflected the will of the women. He urged the newly elected committee to work in unity with their male counterparts to strengthen the labour movement in the state.
“We believe this outcome will bring more unity to the NLC in Ebonyi. If we remain united, there is no force we cannot overcome,” Egwu said.
The NLC National President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, in a message to the conference, stressed the Congress’ commitment to gender equality and the inclusion of women in leadership at all levels of trade union structures. He recalled that the NLC Constitution provides for the Chairpersons of State Women Committees to serve as automatic Vice Chairpersons of the State Administrative Councils.
Ajaero urged all state councils to fully implement affirmative action policies, ensure the participation of women in decision-making, and uphold the constitutional provisions on women’s representation.
He emphasised that women in the labour movement must be “powerful change agents” who advocate for the rights of working women, especially in the informal sector, and contribute actively to union and societal development.
The election was supervised by the returning officer, Chika Ahamuefula, who represented the NLC national leadership. He called on the newly elected officials to close ranks and work as a team to advance the interests of women workers in the state.
