By Oguocha Chukwuebuka
The Chairman of the National Union of Market Traders Employers of Nigeria (NUMTEN), Anambra State Council, Prince Comrade Nwafor-Orizu Nnamsom, on Thursday, 6th February 2025, played host to the state leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC) and the Anambra state Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists,NUJ.
Prince Nwafor-Orizu used the opportunity to eulogise and congratulate Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu on his re-election as the state chairman of NUJ.
Recall that Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu emerged victorious as the NUJ Chairman, Anambra State Council, for second term after the council’s election held on 24th January 2025.at Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, NUJ Secretariat complex,Awka.
Comrade Nwafor-Orizu, while addressing the labour leaders explained that his reason for the get-together was to celebrate Dr. Odogwu’s victory, describing him as a dogged fighter and goal getter, adding that his quality contributions during NLC plenary is an indication that NUJ under his watch will continue to grow from strength to strength.
Prince Nwafor-Orizu who is popularly known as Political Tiligada, however expressed gratitude to members of the NUJ for re-electing Dr. Odogwu as the Chairman of NUJ Anambra State Council, saying that they have made the right choice and urged them to maintain their support and cooperation as his regime progresses.
He assured NUJ of his union's support at all times while asking for similar support from the men of the pen profession in the area of publicising NUMTEN activities which he said is the youngest union in Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu in September , 2024 approved the establishment of NUMTEN and it’s consequent certification as a trade union in Nigeria.
The objectives of the union was to alleviate and eradicate the sufferings of Nigeria traders and employers and since it's inauguration, Anambra state council under Prince Nwafor-Orizu Nnamsom has been at the forefront of implementing it's objectives.
While appreciating Comrade Nwafor-Orizu for the show of love and NLC leadership for the solidarity, the NUJ Chairman, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, said the gesture is a clear demonstration of love and unity among labour leaders in Anambra state, which he said , will not be taken for granted, and promised to always cherish their relationship.
He stressed that he learnt a lot from the host while urging him not to relent in doing his best towards upholding the banner of bold colour of NUMTEM in Anambra state.
He pledged to run an all inclusive administration and perform better than he did in his first tenure, promising to prioritise members welfare and attract infrastructure that will make the union secretariat look befitting.
He also asked members to always listen to their leaders and not allow their emotions to cloud their sense of respect for the office.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Anambra State Chapter, Comrade Humphrey Emeka Nwafor, said that Dr. Odogwu’s victory is a divine mandate for him to do better, adding that he has the responsibility of mentoring and raising courageous Journalists that will always report objectively and play their constitutional mandate of holding leaders accountable.
Comrade Emeka Nwafor emphasized that the NUJ and NLC are two bodies that need each other to thrive.
He explained that the NUJ is the eyes of the NLC, and there is no way the happenings in the NLC would be known without journalists.
He therefore promised that NLC will always support the NUJ but urged them to reciprocate, even as he called on Anambra journalists to support Dr. Odogwu’s leadership for a better experience.
On his part, he Chairman of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JSUN), Comrade Ezeoke Henry Ifeanyi, thanked NUJ members for re-electing Dr. Odogwu as Chairman of the Union, saying that he is a man with the right qualities to work with.
Dr. Ifeanyi Obiefuna, the MD of Angel Network News and the Director General of the Odogwu Emeka Odogwu campaign council who was in the entourage appreciated Comrade Nwafor-Orizu Nnamso for instigating the celebration of Dr. Odogwu’s victory at his establishment. He also appreciated the NLC Anambra State Chapter Chairman, Comrade Nwafor, for his efforts and support.
Dr. Obiefuna referred to Dr. Odogwu as a leader with capacity, whose leadership style includes selflessness.
Chairman of the Civil Service Union , Anambra State, Comrade Paul Uwaeze , Kingsley Egwumba Secretary of Civil Service Union Anambra,Chairman of AUPCTRE, Comrade Emmanuel Onyejiaka and Secretary of NLC, Anambra State, Comrade Gaius Chukwuka among others were at the event,even as they urged members of the NUJ to continue to show the light always as members of the fourth Estate of the Realm.