Israel Umoh
Veteran labour leaders reunited in Uyo, Àkwa Ibom capital, reliving brotherhood and camaraderie among them at the maiden get-together.
Hosted by Rt. Hon. (Sir) Udo Kierian Akpan, Honorary Special Adviser to Governor Umo Eno on Labour Relations, the get-together brought together a glitterati of past Chairmen and Secretaries from various labour unions in Àkwa Ibom State.
Gathered at New Point Hotel, Uyo on Sunday night, the leaders most of whom had retired from public service were treated to familiar musical tunes and other forms of merriment.
A galaxy of leaders from Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) jollied to the ambience of the event.
The unforgettable event attended by 27 leaders had Comrades Akamba Awah, Felix Udo, Anietie Etuk, Asuquo Akang, Etim Anwana, Justin Ekong, Israel Umoh, Idongesit King Oladele, Joseph Ita, Ekpenyong Esuk to Aniefiok Ubia, among others in the well-packed hall in attendance.
Setting the tone, Elder Friday Iwok, who was Chairman of the occasion, commended Udo K. Akpan for hosting the leaders.
Describing him as a man of good heart networking to stabilise the government, Rt. Hon. Iwok, past State Chairman of National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) recalled that Akpan as Nigeria Labour Congress Chairperson in the state performed creditably.
Acknowledging that as a three-time member in Àkwa Ibom House of Assembly and now a Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Relations, Iwok hoped Akpan would replicate his performance in the labour relationship between the workers and the government as he did as a representative of the people of Oruk Anam State Constituency in the house.
The former member of Abak State Constituency in the House thanked God for preserving the lives of the past leaders and for sustaining them with good health despite some seeming challenges.
Iwok also a two-term member of Àkwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA) enjoined labour veterans to shun issues that would engender segregation and divisiveness among them in the labour movement.
Sir Akpan, in his remarks, emphasised the essence of people who are above 60 to always celebrate themselves devoid of gossip and backstabbing.
He said the meeting was more like homecoming for most of the past leaders, and encouraged them to see themselves as people who are still relevant and still have much to offer the government and the society.
The legendary labour leader called on past Chairmen and Secretaries in different trade unions to join the body by contributing their quota to the development of the state.
Mr. Asuquo Akang, the State Chairman of National Association of Labour Veterans, described Udo Kierian Akpan as a living force in labour movement in the state.
Akang also saw Friday Iwok as a catalyst in the movement, saying since he joined the veteran leaders a lot of things have changed.
Expressing happiness with the people for joining the body, he called on NLC and TUC past leaders to join the association.
The Chairperson of Nigeria Labour Congress, Àkwa Ibom Chapter, Comrade Sunny James, commended the host for treating past labour leaders to the lavishing get-together.
James stressed that his interest in labour movement has made him to always sponsor veteran labour leaders and their wives to events in the state.
Though he apologised over the unforeseen incident of 2025, he noted that the get together was the beginning of a new chapter in the history of labour movement in the state.
Comfort Umanah, who is the Chairperson of National Association of Women Labour Leaders in the state, thanked Sir Akpan, Elder Iwok and veteran labour leaders for the show of solidarity in coming together to solidify unity among the members.
Highlight of the event was a phone call by the Speaker of AKHA, Udeme Otong who is a past Chairman of National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives in the state to labour veterans.
Rt. Hon. Otong who is representing Abak State Constituency in the state House of Assembly wished veteran labour leaders well in their endeavors.
