Amalgamated union conference produces first female chairperson

The 6th Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service and Recreational Services Employees of Nigeria (AUPCTRE), Bayelsa State council yesterday produced a first female chairperson in the state, more than 20 years after the creation of the state.

Mrs Ayibalayefa Gabriel was the woman behind the jinx-breaking history as she defeated two male contestants to emerge as the new state chairman.

Other executive members elected and sworn in by the leadership of the union included Mr Tonbara Warikolu, 1st vice chairman; Raphael Osaisai, 2nd vice chairman; Mr Romeo Alabi, administrative secretary and Mr Diepreye Odu as financial secretary, among others.

Speaking with journalists after she was sworn in, Mrs Gabriel promised to offer a purposeful leadership to the association so that the next time any other woman presents herself for the elective position, she would get the confidence of members.

She said, “This union has come of age, and it’s time for women to put up themselves for any leadership position in the country instead of always feeling intimidated by men.”

The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Bayelsa State, Comrade John Ndiomu who monitored the union’s election, urged workers in the state to live up to the demands of duty in their different offices. He called on the newly elected leadership of the union to work for the enhancement of their members’ welfare.