Ogun Mine Workers Union elects New Exco, Sues for Peace among members

By Our Correspondent 

The Ogun State chapter of Nigerian Union of Mine Workers have elected new Executives that will pilot the affairs of the Union for another four years 

The election which took place at the Nigerian Labour Congress Secretariat, Abiola way, Abeokuta, saw the emergence of Comrade Abiola Fasiu as State Chairman.

Addressing the delegates the national President of the Union, Comrade Hamza Mohammed called for more government support saying that the government need to parley with the Union in order to generate more internally generated revenue.

He said the Union  jurisdictional scope covers workers engaged in extraction of coal, metalliferous and non metalliferous excluding petroleum but including prospecting and preparing sites for the contraction of these ores. 

Also included are all supplemental operations job dressing and beneficiation ores and other crude minerals, such as breaking, milling, grinding pulverizing, washing, cleaning, grading, quarrying as an enterprise. 

Salt mining. Chemical and fertilizer mineral mining enterprises are also included. 

"Also all tipper and tipping trailer drivers engaged in the evacuation of mining products are also included and approved in our constitution, the implication of this is that the Union has no business with burrowers but with the individual driving the trucks as soon as they enter the Union's jurisdictional area, they must comply with the

regulations of the Union obtainable in such mining company.

He then called on Prince Dapo Abiodun led government to give more support to the Union "because Nigerian Union of Mines Workers is one of the restructured Trade Unions licensed to operate in mining industry as enshrined in the law of Federal Republic of Nigeria and Trade Union act.

He said "with enabling environment and more support from the government, the Union will generate more revenue for the government especially here in Ogun State.

The National President also urges NUMW to remain focused saying that the national leadership of the Union is aware of the challenges facing the Union in Ogun State.

He listed the challenges to include "numerous litigations and attempts to halt the activities of the State Council.

 

"But I want you to see this trying time as a blessing in disguise, the antagonists are only preparing and empowering you for the great future ahead.

Comrade Hamza Mohammed said "despite these challenges, according to report, the Union has spread its tentacles across Ogun State with government backing. 

He then implore the new executive to continue to build on the good legacy of the first administration by prioritizing welfare of members and keep contributing their quota to the development of mining industry and development of the country at large 

"I say thank you to our loyal members, I admonished you all to remain steadfast and continue to back the incoming executives because together we stand, divided

we fall.

In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Chairman, Comrade Abiola Fasiu promised to continue to pursue programme that will be beneficial to the members.

"I want to use this medium that despite the gang up against my administration, my exco remain 

more than resolute to lead this great union to an enviable height, and with your support, loyalty and believe In Us, the sky is our beginning.

"Do not fear, do not be despair; we have the constitution backing on our jurisdictional Scope.

He called for more support from members saying that "this job is a collective responsibilities of all together to reach the promise land,

do not say it's none of your business, it's our collective responsibility.

"We must also continue to preach peace, I am using this opportunity to call on our brothers and sister on the fence to have a re-think, comeback home and lets work together for the sake of our today and future.