The President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, has had his positions within the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) officially ratified by over 2,000 delegates representing 150 countries.
The ratification occurred at this year’s ITF African Regional Conference, which took place in Marrakesh, Morocco last week.
According to a press statement issued by John Kennedy Ikemefuna, Head of Media for MWUN, the ratified positions include Vice President of ITF Global, Executive Board Member, and Chairman of the ITF African Region. These roles follow Adeyanju’s initial election during the ITF Conference held in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire, in March 2024.
The statement highlighted that Adeyanju’s global positions are a testament to his unique leadership style and dedication to the advancement of workers’ rights, particularly in the global maritime space. It emphasized that Adeyanju’s commitment to his duties has earned him widespread recognition within the ITF and among international labor stakeholders.
“Comrade Adeyanju’s designated responsibilities are a resounding testament to his dedication to duty, especially in the advancement of workers’ rights in the global maritime sector,” the statement read. It further noted that his leadership has played a crucial role in uniting transport workers globally and championing their cause on the international stage.
As Vice President of ITF Global, Adeyanju will be instrumental in guiding the strategic direction of the federation, ensuring that the concerns of transport workers receive global attention. His role as an Executive Board Member positions him to influence critical decisions within the ITF. Meanwhile, as Chairman of the ITF African Region, he is expected to focus on addressing the challenges facing African transport workers and promoting the continent’s development within the global transportation industry.
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, along with the broader organized labor movement in Nigeria, celebrated this achievement as a significant milestone for the country and the African continent. The statement described Adeyanju as “an enigma and a beacon of excellence,” highlighting his resilience and dedication to the welfare of workers. It also commended his efforts in positioning Africa as a key player in the global transportation sector.