According to a news report from Nigerian Tribune, Alhaji Abdulrahman Olayinka Onikijipa, the Chairman of the Kwara state chapter of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), has been officially inaugurated as the new Chairman of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) in the state.

Onikijipa assumed his new role alongside members of the State Administrative Council during the Sixth Triennial State Delegates’ Conference of the union, held at the main auditorium of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Ilorin, over the weekend.

Representing the TUC President, Festus Osifo, Comrade Hassan Anka, the acting Secretary General of TUC, conducted the swearing-in ceremony and administered the oath of office and allegiance to the new executive, who emerged through consensus.

Osifo emphasised that the peaceful emergence of the state administrative council, achieved through consensus, sets a positive example for other unions, advocating for reduced conflicts and power struggles within union circles.

He cautioned against unhealthy competition within the union's leadership, urging the new executive to adhere to the laws governing organised labour and emphasising the importance of unity for progress.

Onikijipa, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity, described his inauguration as a new beginning for the TUC in Kwara State. He pledged his commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to him and expressed his determination to work tirelessly for the betterment of the state council of the Congress.

Acknowledging the support of the Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration in providing a conducive business environment for TUC members, Onikijipa called for unity and cooperation among members to achieve the union's objectives.

“I stand before you, dear comrades, with a vow that I will not disappoint this huge trust. I stand before you, great comrades, to tell you that with your invaluable support and cooperation and our zeal, valour and commitment, we are taking this Congress to greater heights.

“I stand before you, gallant comrades, affirming you as my leaders and I, your humble servant. Speak and I shall hear. Order and I shall obey! Ask and I shall answer! Dear comrades, seek and I shall grant.

“From this moment forward, it is going to be work and work and work. I will not be tired of serving in all capacities.

“At this juncture, ladies and gentlemen, comrades, it is important to appreciate the state government under the leadership of our go-getter governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for providing the best-needed business environment for us to thrive. Our loyalty is strong and healthy.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the National Leadership of the Trade Union Congress for their support and dedication to the course of the Union. We will work with them to achieve greatness together,” Onikijipa said.

Inaugurated at the sixth triennial delegates’ conference were state Vice Chairman of TUC, Abdulganiyu Balogun; Secretary, Raji Azeez; Second Assistant Secretary, Sarat Folake Mohammed; Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abdulraheem Oladimeji; ex-Officio, Joseph Tunde; and another ex-Officio, Saliu Gidado among others.