MWUN closes 2025 with historic workers’ bash, rewards excellence and unity
Maureen Aguta
The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), under the leadership of its President-General, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, on Friday, December 19, 2025, capped the year with what members described as the most elaborate end-of-year celebration in the union’s history.
The colourful event, held to mark the successful conclusion of MWUN’s 2025 activities, brought together workers, staff and union executives in a rare display of camaraderie, appreciation and organisational unity. Beyond music and festivities, the celebration was deliberately structured to reward discipline, dedication and outstanding service within the union.
In a statement issued by the Head of Media, MWUN, Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, the union disclosed that several members received cash awards in recognition of punctuality, professionalism and exemplary conduct. Leading the list of awardees was Comrade John Ekpo, Deputy Secretary-General (Administration/Personnel), who received a ₦100,000 cash prize for punctuality.
Also honoured in the same category were Comrade John Jessy, the union’s Chief Driver, and Comrade Rotimi, Assistant General Secretary of the Dockworkers Branch, each of whom received ₦100,000 for consistent punctuality and dedication to duty.
The celebration also featured a “Best Dressed” segment, reflecting the festive spirit of the occasion. Comrade Kenneth Ibanga, Deputy Secretary-General (Protocol) and MWUN’s representative of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), emerged best dressed and received a ₦100,000 cash award. Comrade Mathew Adele, General Secretary of the Dockworkers Branch, also received a similar award in the same category.
In the female category, Comrade Akala Mistura of the Accounts Department was recognised as best dressed and rewarded with ₦100,000 in cash. Other awardees in the best-dressed cadre included Funke Apesin, Assistant Secretary-General (Administration), and Serifat Ogbede, Personal Assistant to the President-General, who also received ₦100,000 each.
Comrade Taofeek Adeleke was rewarded as the most outstanding personnel among the union’s security officials, in recognition of his diligence and professionalism.
Entertainment highlights included an open dance competition, which added colour and excitement to the evening. Comrade Martina Njoku, Vice President-General of MWUN, emerged as the best female dancer and went home with a ₦50,000 cash prize, while other participants received consolatory rewards.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of a special award to the President-General, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, by the organisers of the “Face of Maritime,” accompanied by the reigning “2025 Queen.”
The presentation, made during the celebration, was greeted with loud applause and was described by attendees as a fitting recognition of Bunu’s leadership within Nigeria’s maritime labour movement.
Guests were treated to a wide array of sumptuous meals and drinks, with delicacies drawn from the Niger Delta, South-West, South-East and Northern regions of the country. The spread, organisers said, was a deliberate reflection of MWUN’s national character and its ethos of inclusiveness and non-discrimination.
In his closing remarks, Comrade Bunu thanked members, guests and organisers for their conduct, unity and show of brotherhood throughout the event. He commended the organisers of the “Face of Maritime” for sustaining the initiative and expressed appreciation to journalists who covered the celebration.
The President-General assured members that future editions of the end-of-year celebration would be even bigger, stressing that sustained progress could only be achieved through hard work, dedication, punctuality, commitment and loyalty.
The event ended on a high note, reinforcing MWUN’s image as a united national union and setting the tone for renewed momentum in the year ahead.
