NULGE Elects New National Leadership at 8th Delegates Conference
By Our Correspondent
The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE on Monday held its 8th National Delegates Conference at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre, Abuja, with the election of a New National Leadership.
The conference, which is the union’s highest decision-making body, focused on critical issues affecting local government administration in Nigeria.
The event was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including officials from the Federal Ministry of Labour, representatives of the organized labor movements, Local Government Chairmen, and veterans of the union.
A high-powered delegation from the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, led by representative of its National President, Hon. Bello Lawal Yandaki, was also present.
A former NULGE National President Alhaji Ahmed Labbo equally led a team of union veterans to the event.
Other notable attendees included Deputy National Presidents of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir and Comrade Amba, who also serve as National Presidents of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), respectively.
Chairmen of Local Government Service Commissions from different states, alongside Heads of Local Government Administration, Directors of Finance and Supplies, and other local government staff, also participated in the conference.
Welcoming the Delegates earlier, the outgone NULGE President General, Comrade Ambali Akeem Olatunji, expressed gratitude to union members for their support during his tenure.
He highlighted key achievements of his executives, including maintaining peace and stability within the union, advocating for full local government autonomy, improving infrastructure at the national secretariat, constructing a NULGE guest house and museum, and facilitating capacity-building programmes for officials and staff.
He also emphasized efforts in securing gratuities and pensions for retired staff.
After the conclusion of voting and counting, the Returning Officer for election, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, who was a former NLC President and former Global President of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), declared Comrade Aliyu Haruna Kankara as the newly elected National President General of NULGE.
Other elected officers include, Rufus Babalola Adeyemi – Deputy National President, Emma Fashe, Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo, Onuigbo Lambert, Igbe Terungwa, Bello Hakeem Atanda, and Etifa Clement as Zonal National Vice Presidents.
Others are Comrade Adeaze Okoronkwo – Chairperson, National Women Committee, Okwudi Osita Ezeko – National Treasurer, Rashidat Olukoga, Musa Hassan El-Badawi, Shuibu Yari – National Auditors, Yakubu Tanko Burba – National Welfare Officer, Abubakar Alhassan Yakub – National Trustee and Safiyanu Abdullahi – Young Workers Representative.
In his acceptance speech, Comrade Aliyu Haruna Kankara thanked Almighty God for the successful election and praised the leadership of Comrade Ambali Akeem Olatunji for its achievements.
He also commended the legacies of the late NULGE President, Comrade Ibrahim Khaleel, describing him as a key figure in ensuring a smooth transition of power within the union.
Comrade Kankara pledged to build on the union’s successes, promising to advance the cause of local government employees and push for greater autonomy.
He called on members and stakeholders to remain united in strengthening the union and ensuring improved working conditions for local government workers across the country.
The newly elected executives will serve for a four-year term, overseeing the affairs of NULGE and advocating for better policies for local government employees nationwide.
