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SSASGOC Honours Adeyanju, Akingboye for Outstanding Leadership in Maritime Sector
The Senior Staff Association of Statutory Government-Owned Companies (SSASGOC) has honored the President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, in recognition of his exemplary leadership and contributions to the maritime industry over the past eight years.
The award ceremony, held at the MWUN headquarters in Lagos on Thursday, saw Comrade Akinola Bodunde, SSASGOC Maritime President, lead a delegation of senior officials from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to pay tribute to Adeyanju’s transformational leadership. Speaking at the event, Bodunde described Adeyanju as a leader whose tenure has been defined by industrial harmony, improved worker relations, and an unwavering commitment to maritime employees’ welfare.
Bodunde emphasized that Adeyanju’s leadership had played a crucial role in fostering a strong relationship between workers and management, preventing industrial crises that could have disrupted port operations. He highlighted that the collaboration between SSASGOC and MWUN in honoring a union leader was unprecedented, demonstrating the lasting impact of Adeyanju’s leadership.
“This is the first time an event of this nature is taking place between SSASGOC and MWUN, and it is happening because of the legacy of industrial harmony, dialogue, and enhanced productivity created by Comrade Adeyanju,” Bodunde remarked. He urged future union executives to emulate Adeyanju’s dedication, emphasizing that his leadership would serve as a benchmark for years to come.
In addition to Adeyanju, Comrade Felix Akingboye, the immediate past Secretary General of MWUN, was also recognized for his exceptional service and contributions to the union’s success. His tenure was marked by significant advancements in worker engagement and policy implementation, strengthening the union’s operational framework.
While presenting the award, Bodunde acknowledged Akingboye’s vital role in ensuring smooth labor relations within the maritime sector. He praised Akingboye for his steadfast commitment to workers’ rights and his efforts in promoting dialogue between labor and management.
In his acceptance speech, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, stating that the honor was not just a personal achievement but a testament to the collective effort of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria. He reflected on his tenure, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs in advancing the welfare of maritime workers.
“This celebration is not about me; it is about the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria. The work we have done together has laid a strong foundation, and I am grateful for the cooperation and support we have received,” Adeyanju stated. He called on future leaders to continue prioritizing workers’ welfare and industrial peace, stressing that the maritime sector thrives on mutual respect and collaboration among stakeholders.
The event was attended by key maritime stakeholders, including Port Managers from Tin Can and Apapa Ports, as well as the newly appointed NPA Assistant General Manager, Industrial Relations. The dignitaries commended Adeyanju for his visionary leadership and the transformation the union had achieved under his tenure.
Stakeholders praised his ability to mediate disputes, foster a productive working environment, and promote policies that benefit workers and the maritime industry. They emphasized that Adeyanju’s leadership had not only strengthened the union but also contributed to a more stable and efficient maritime sector.
As the event concluded, speakers reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining industrial harmony in the sector and urged upcoming leaders to build on the foundation laid by Adeyanju and Akingboye. The occasion served as both a celebration of past achievements and a call to action for the next generation of maritime leaders to uphold the principles of unity, fairness, and workers’ welfare.