Comrade Adeyanju’s Legacy of Growth, Resilience, Unwavering Dedication to MWUN Resonates, As Francis Bunu Begins Reign
Comrade Adeyanju’s Legacy of Growth, Resilience, Unwavering Dedication to MWUN Resonates, As Francis Bunu Begins Reign
By Success Okezie
Adeyanju’s leadership was praised by stakeholders, including by championing workers’ rights. NIMASA DG,
The President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Dr, Adeyanju Adewale, delivered a stirring speech at the National Delegates Conference held at the Festival Hotel in Festac Town on March 28, 2025.
While Addressing delegates, stakeholders, and guests, Dr. Adewale reflected on his eight years of leadership, highlighting the union’s significant achievements and challenges.
With a sense of deep pride, Dr. Adewale began his address by expressing gratitude to all members, government officials, and stakeholders who had supported the union throughout his tenure. He remarked, “It was almost like yesterday, eight years ago, when we were given the mandate to superintend the affairs of this great union. We marched through turbulent times with one goal in mind: to raise our banner high in line with our motto, ‘Forward Ever, Backward Never.’”
Dr Adeyanju address focused on several major milestones under his leadership, including the historic establishment of minimum standards for working conditions in the maritime sector, which brought about significant wage increases for shipping workers, dockworkers, and seafarers. He also praised the expansion of the union’s reach, highlighting the inauguration of new districts and units in key sectors such as haulage, tugboats, and barge terminals.
The representative of
The Hon.Minister of Marine and Blue Adegboyega Oyetola, Mr Foloruntola Olufemi ,permanent Secretary ,Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy
“We successfully negotiated palliatives for members, improved working conditions, and facilitated the final stages of pension buyouts for aged seafarers,” Dr. Adewale noted, underscoring his commitment to workers’ welfare.
Dr. Adewale also highlighted the union’s growing influence on the global stage, with his election as the Global Vice President of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF). This position, he said, has given the union a powerful voice in advocating for workers’ rights worldwide.
Turning to infrastructure, the President General emphasized significant investments made during his tenure, including the renovation of the MWUN National Secretariat, the establishment of a new Secretariat Annex, and the initiation of the Maritime Workers Estate project in Okokomaiko. These developments, he explained, were critical to modernizing operations and improving the living standards of union members.
Despite the union’s successes, Dr. Adewale acknowledged the challenges facing both the maritime industry and the nation as a whole, such as economic hardship, unemployment, security concerns, and infrastructure deficiencies. He called on the government to increase its commitment to workers’ welfare and to address the energy crisis affecting operational costs.
Looking ahead, Dr. Adewale urged the incoming leadership to build upon the progress made during his administration. “Our union stands stronger than ever,” he said, “and it is imperative that we continue to push for reforms that support the economic well-being of Nigerian workers.”
Dr. Adewale’s reaffirmed his commitment to the values of unity and progress. “Let us stand united, for in our collective strength lies the power to effect meaningful change. Forward Ever, Backward Never!”
The speech resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring both reflection on past achievements and optimism for the future. As Dr. Adewale prepares to step down, he leaves behind a legacy of growth, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the maritime workers of Nigeria.
In his good will message,Minister of Marine and Blue Economy,who was ably represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry,Mr.Foloruntola Olufemi,noted that ,
“Today’s event is particularly special, not just because we are giving awards to deserving members, but because we are also gathered to launch a historic book, The History of Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria 1996-2024.
“This publication is a significant contribution to documenting the struggles, achievements, and the evolution of one of the most influential labor unions in Nigeria’s history. I must commend the President of this great union, Comrade Adewale Adeyonju, for his leadership in ensuring that this history is not lost. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to all contributors who painstakingly worked to put this book together.
they leave office.
“It is our collective responsibility to fight these ills and to ensure that the rights of Nigerian workers are protected. It is our collective responsibility to defend and safeguard our nation. This requires an unwavering commitment to the primacy of the constitution and fundamental principles of democracy.
“Finally, I wish to reiterate the NLC’s unwavering support to maritime workers’ unions. Your struggles are our struggles and your victories our victories. Just take hold of us”.
In his goodwill message,the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency,NIMASA,Dr Dayo Mobereola,assured the agency’s continued support and cooperation with the Union,stressing that the in coming leadership should sustain the milestone achievements of Dr Adewale Adeyanju.He described Dr Adeyanju as an exceptional leader who has left an indelible mark in the history of the Union.
It was an evening of eulogies and resounding ovation as the de la creme del a creme of the maritime industry converged in their numbers to honour Dr Adeyanju.
High points of the event was the launch of the book of the book ‘History of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, which chronicled the union’s struggles, achievement and growth from 1996 to 2024,and presentation of awards to eminent industry stakeholders, union members and journalists who have contributed to the Union’s growth and transformation over the years.
The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and leaders from various maritime unions and organizations.
Bunu succeeds Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, whose eight year tenure as President General ends Friday, March 28.
Born on November 20th, 1975, in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, Comrade Bunu has been a prominent figure within the MWUN leadership, serving as the Deputy President General since 2021.
Prior to this, he served two terms as the President of the Seafarer branch of MWUN, beginning in 2013.
A seasoned seafarer with over 24 years of experience, Bunu has worked onboard various vessels both within Nigeria and internationally.
The election of Bunu also saw the emergence of other new national officers who will serve alongside him for the next four years.
They include: Comrade Robert Eze – National Auditor, Obidoma David. -National Trustee, Raji Abdulateef – National Trustee, Mukhaila Lawal – Treasurer and Boniface Udoh -Vice President.
Others are Martina Njoku – Vice President, Ibrahim Ohize – Vice President, Ganiu Dosunmu – Vice President, Funmi Fasan – Deputy President, Taofeek Dahiru – Deputy President, and Abubakar Bello – Deputy President.
legacies recorded by the Union under Adeyanju.
Bunu also announced Adeyanju as the new Board of Trustees ( BoT) of MWUN in line with the union’s Constitution.
