By Joy Salami
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Women’s Committee, Kogi State Council, has held its State Delegates Conference in Lokoja with a renewed call for urgent and sustained action to achieve gender equality in the labour movement.
The conference, themed “Accelerate Action for Achieving Gender Equality: Imperative for a New NLC Gender Policy”, drew delegates from across the state, representatives of the NLC National Women’s Commission, and labour leaders. It served as a platform to review past achievements, set new goals, and usher in a new leadership team.
Delivering her valedictory speech, the outgone Chairperson, Comrade Habibat Omar Ibrahim, described the occasion as “emotional yet fulfilling,” reflecting on her four-year tenure.
Related News
She explained that the NLC Women’s Committee is the arm of the Nigeria Labour Congress that champions the interests, rights, and empowerment of women workers. She noted that during her tenure, the committee actively participated in national programmes, celebrated International Women’s Day, embarked on advocacy visits to schools and marketplaces, conducted enlightenment programmes on radio and television, and defended the rights of women workers. “These achievements belong to all women who believe in the power of our collective voices,” she stated.
Comrade Habibat urged more women to take up leadership roles, stressing that unity among women strengthens the labour movement. She also expressed appreciation to past and present NLC leaders, including former State NLC Chairman and Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Comrade Onu Edoka, and current State Chairman, Comrade Gabriel Amari, for their steadfast support.
In his goodwill message, Comrade Onu Edoka, recalled being part of the team that installed the outgone leadership in 2018 and expressed satisfaction at witnessing another smooth transition. Speaking on behalf of the state government, he urged the new executive to provide purposeful leadership while preserving the peace and progress achieved by their predecessors.
“The women have worked well and have been active in all labour programmes, including International Women’s Day and other initiatives,” he noted.
He commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for prioritising workers’ welfare, highlighting prompt salary payments, the implementation of the ₦72,500 minimum wage, tax waivers, health insurance, and free healthcare for vulnerable citizens.
While advising the new executives to extend leadership to the grassroots, he encouraged them to ensure that every union has a women’s commission and to remain loyal to the government of the day.
Also speaking, State NLC Chairman, Comrade Gabriel Amari, praised the outgoing executive for completing two successful terms, describing the women’s committee as a vital support structure that empowers women to contribute meaningfully to both the labour movement and society.
He urged the new leaders to learn from their predecessors, consult widely before making decisions, and remain guided by the NLC constitution, noting that “that way, they will achieve much.”
The highlight of the day was the election of new officers, supervised by the NLC National Women’s Commission representatives, which saw Comrade Rose Obademi emerge as the new Chairperson.
In her acceptance speech, Comrade Obademi lauded the efforts of her predecessor and colleagues, pledging to build on the strong foundation already laid.
My vision is to empower women to take their rightful place in the labour movement, because when women are empowered, families are strengthened, and communities are transformed, she said.
She outlined her leadership agenda anchored on three pillars: empowering women through education and economic opportunities, advocating for gender equality and fairness, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect. She promised to champion mentorship, push for equal pay and safe working conditions, and create a safe space for members to express their concerns and aspirations.
Comrade Obademi called on all members to join her on this journey, adding that “together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous future for all.”
