MWUN shines in Tanzania as young leader Olumba Maduabuchukwu steals spotlight at ITF regional conference
Maureen Aguta
The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has earned fresh continental acclaim after its young representative, Comrade Olumba “Buchi” Maduabuchukwu of the Seafarers Unit, distinguished himself at the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Youth Regional Conference held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The multi-country workshop, hosted at the Ramada Wyndham Hotel, brought together rising labour leaders from across Africa, including Comrade Mohamed Kaneh of Sierra Leone, Comrade Sahada Al Hassan of Ghana, and Comrade Victoria Michongwo of Malawi, among others. Yet, according to the Union, it was the Nigerian delegate who left an outstanding impression during the conference’s rigorous evaluation segment.
In a statement issued by the Head of Media, MWUN, Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, the Union disclosed that Maduabuchukwu’s performance stood out among all participants at the Maritime Regional Young Workers’ workshop. His strong showing, Ikemefuna noted, not only elevated MWUN’s reputation at the event but also validated the Union’s commitment to grooming a new generation of labour leaders.
Upon his return to Nigeria, Comrade Olumba was warmly received by the Union’s leadership led by President-General Comrade Francis Bunu Abi. Abi commended the young activist’s remarkable outing, stressing that the Union is deliberately investing in the next generation of maritime labour champions.
According to the MWUN President-General, continuous exposure to international trainings, workshops and strategic leadership programmes remains central to the Union’s vision of building a future-ready workforce. “Young comrades must be equipped for the responsibilities ahead. That is how we build a stronger, more resilient Union for tomorrow,” he said, reaffirming that such capacity-building engagements will be sustained.
A trained maritime administrator, labour activist and veteran sailor, Comrade Maduabuchukwu echoed similar sentiments. He described the Tanzania workshop as an eye-opener that broadened his understanding of modern labour dynamics while deepening his professional competence. He added that the opportunity to interface with brilliant young comrades from across Africa further enriched the experience.
He also praised the conference facilitators, describing them as “wonderful, intelligent and morally grounded.” Their expert delivery, he said, left a lasting impact. “I learned so much—content that will remain indelible and guide my journey as a maritime labour leader,” Maduabuchukwu stated.
He expressed profound gratitude to the MWUN leadership for the privilege of representing Nigeria, vowing to translate his newly acquired knowledge into meaningful contributions within the Union.
With Maduabuchukwu’s strong outing in Tanzania, MWUN’s drive to empower a new cadre of youthful leaders appears firmly on track—signaling a renewed era of skill, vision and continental relevance for Nigeria’s maritime labour movement.
