The President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, has celebrated two former leaders of the Union, Comrades Tony Emmanuel Nted and Adewale Adeyanju, on their birthdays, describing both as influential labour leaders whose contributions continue to shape the Union.
Both Nted and Adeyanju celebrate their birthdays on October 1, which coincides with Nigeria’s Independence Day.
Bunu described Nted, a former President-General of MWUN, as a seasoned labour leader whose love for the Union and its members remained a priority throughout his administration.
According to Bunu, Nted’s leadership foresight was particularly evident in his commitment to the rotational presidency arrangement involving the four branches of the Union, which was implemented under the administration of Adeyanju, with the Seafarers Branch becoming the first beneficiary.
He said Nted would continue to remain a “burning light” of the Union, recalling that he demonstrated strong administrative judgement by handing over leadership at the expiration of his eight-year tenure to Adeyanju, whom he considered a capable and resourceful successor.
Bunu described Nted as a seasoned leader with a deep sense of humanity, saying his love for God, humanity and members of the Union remained noteworthy.
He added that Nted’s leadership foresight and goodwill had benefited the four arms of the Union, expressing confidence that his contributions would continue to be remembered.
Turning to Adeyanju, the current President-General described the former Union leader and Chairman of its Board of Trustees as an astute labour leader and administrator whose wealth of experience had contributed significantly to the development of the labour force and administration in Nigeria.
Bunu said Adeyanju’s knowledge of labour matters and administration had continued to make him relevant to the affairs of the Union and the wider country.
He described Adeyanju as a thoroughbred administrator and a leader whose wealth of knowledge and intellectual capacity had greatly influenced his own development as President-General of MWUN.
According to him, Adeyanju left behind a strong administrative foundation and a team of capable executives, which has helped to sustain the effective running of the Union.
Bunu said he was privileged to have worked under both Nted and Adeyanju, noting that the experience he gained from their respective administrations significantly shaped his own leadership journey.
He recalled that he began applying the leadership lessons he acquired from both men while serving as District Chairman in Onne, Port Harcourt, and later as President of the Seafarers Branch of the Union.
“These two great leaders immensely shaped my becoming the President-General of the Union,” Bunu stated.
He expressed appreciation to Adeyanju for the legacy he left behind, assuring that the present leadership of the Union would continue from where he stopped while working towards a more prosperous and united MWUN.
Bunu also acknowledged Adeyanju’s service as Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and President of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), describing his contribution to the labour movement as significant.
While congratulating both Nted and Adeyanju, Bunu prayed for their continued good health, prosperity and fulfilment as they mark another year on a date that coincides with Nigeria’s Independence Day.
