The Nigeria Labour Congress Women Committee in Gombe State has elected new leaders to run its affairs.
The election took place on Wednesday during the committee’s 6th Quadrennial State Delegates Conference with the theme “Gender Equality for a Sustainable Future” at the NLC Secretariat in Pantami, with delegates from different unions in attendance.
The positions of chairperson, vice chairperson and secretary were keenly contested, while those of assistant secretary, public relations officer and ex officio were returned unopposed.
Following the election, Christy Garba, Rahab Maina, and Aliya Salihu emerged as winners for chairperson, deputy chair and secretary, respectively, defeating the outgoing holders of the three positions who had sought second terms.
The newly elected executives were immediately sworn in, with the oath of office administered by returning officer Naomi Nancy Adi, who is the Vice National Chairperson of the NLC Women Committee and representative of NLC National President Joe Ajaero.
In her acceptance speech, new leader Christy Garba from the National Union of Teachers described the day as memorable.
She appreciated the confidence placed in her and other elected members, adding, “We will protect the interests of women workers in the state and ensure women’s full participation in union activities and politics under her tenure.”
The Electoral Committee Chairperson, Maryam Adamu Ibrahim and Returning Officer Nancy Adi described the election as peaceful, fair and credible, noting there were no grudges or complaints from any quarters as the outcome was accepted by all.
They advised the new executives to carry everyone along, including opponent contestants and outgoing officials, and to seek their guidance in the union’s interest.
State NLC Chairman Yusuf Bello congratulated the executives, emphasising there were no winners or losers in the election. He urged both new and outgoing leaders to work together, assuring that the union would accommodate and work with the new executives.
In their goodwill messages delivered before the election, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Asmau Iganus, Permanent Secretary of the State Independent Electoral Commission Saadatu Ishaya, and State Director of the National Orientation Agency Adaline Patari emphasised that women’s active participation in leadership positions is critical for societal advancement and promoting equitable opportunities for all.
They urged the new executives to embrace their responsibilities with courage, integrity and a spirit of service, noting their leadership would be instrumental in shaping policies addressing challenges facing women in the labour sector.
The Chairperson of the event and State Commissioner for Education Aishatu Maigari, stressed that empowering the girl child through education is crucial for sustainable development, calling on all to work together to address gender equality challenges in society.
In his remarks, NLC National Chairman Joe Ajaero, who was represented at the event, said it was important to constitute the NLC Women Committee structure at both national and state levels to ensure proper coordination and synergy in promoting women’s active participation in trade union leadership positions.
He added that Congress remains committed to gender equality issues and protecting the rights of all workers, especially women workers, in line with the union’s gender policy and other national and international instruments.
