19/06/2025
*MEDICAL AND HEALTH WORKERS' UNION OF NIGERIA, AKWA IBOM STATE COUNCIL ENDS A ONE - DAY WORKSHOP FOR BRANCH CHAIRMEN, SECRETARIES ON TRADE UNION PRACTICE IN DYNAMIC WORKPLACE IN ENHANCING EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE*
In a bid to invigorate and revitalize the workforce in the Health Sector of Akwa Ibom State, the Medical and Health Workers' Union of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Council has ended A One - Day Workshop organized for her members with the theme: TRADE UNION PRACTICE IN DYNAMIC WORKPLACE IN ENHANCING EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE, which took place at the Union's Secretariat Complex, Ring Road 3 recently.
Welcoming members to the training session, the State Chairman of the union, Comrade Godwin Archibong, appreciated participants for finding time to attend the workshop, emphasizing the need for capacity building and described the event as very timely and relevant.
Comrade Archibong also used the opportunity to highlight the achievements recorded under his leadership, including improved welfare packages, conducive working environment for members among others.
In his presentation, the lead Facilitator of the training and Admin Secretary of NLC in Akwa Ibom, Comrade Gabriel Ekpa, said Trade Union is the primary organization for championing worker's struggle aim at improving working conditions, protection of workers'right and promotion of decent work agenda.
Comrade Ekpa who is also the State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Postal and Telecommunications Employees (NUPTE), in Akwa Ibom, maintained that the Trade Union represented the interest of workers at work and plays significant role in the social, political and economic development of every Nation.
He reiterated that the essence of organizing workers is to unite and build workers' powers, check the enormous powers of the employers, adding that individual workers cannot withstand the exploitative power of employers.
In another presentation, the immediate past State Treasurer of NLC, Comrade (Elder) Effiong Nyah, spoke on the topic: Understanding the Operational Principles of Branch Leadership - The MHWUN Perspective, describing principles as fundamental truths or beliefs that guide decisions, actions, rules, laws and constitution.
Comrade Nyah further enumerated the qualities of influential leaders to include the ability to communicate their visions, build meaningful relationships, demonstrating a strong organizational skills and embracing a servant - leadership style and noted that Key factors that hinder effective leadership were not farfetched, some of which included working in isolation, trust deficits, lack of focus and non-adherence to established rules and procedures.
Comrade Dinah Warrie, a former Chairperson, Women Committee of the union, also took her time to speak on the topic:
Gender Mainstreaming: An Important Element in Enhancing Effective Trade Unionism.
Fraternal messages were received from the two Labour Centres in the State, as well as some dignitaries who were at the event, which aroused the morale of participants and also reawaken their consciousness, while reigniting the spirit of inclusivity embedded in the Trade Union movement.
The training session according to participants, was a very rewarding and refreshing moment, while appreciating their Chairman for deeming it necessary to put the event together.
*Comrade Anthony Ekpenyong*
State PRO, MHWUN
