Comrade Chinoso Markson Elected Chairperson of NLC Women Committee in Ebonyi State
Comrade Chinoso Markson of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANP), Uwanna Afikpo, has emerged as the new Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Women Committee, Ebonyi State chapter.
Markson secured a decisive victory with 64 votes, defeating her closest contender, Comrade Lydia Onyekachi Idoanuka, who garnered 34 votes. The election took place during the 6th NLC State Women Conference held on Wednesday in Abakaliki.
In her acceptance speech, Markson expressed profound gratitude to the delegates for entrusting her with the leadership position. She praised the peaceful and orderly conduct of the election, attributing it to the maturity and unity of the delegates.
“I want to sincerely appreciate each and every one of us for conducting ourselves in a peaceful and respectful manner before, during, and after this election. I pray that the Almighty God will continually uphold us and grant us the grace to lead the Women Committee to greater heights. You are all blessed. Thank you all,” she stated.
Chairman of the NLC Ebonyi State Council, Prof. Ogugua Egwu, also commended the delegates for a transparent and credible electoral process, saying the results reflected the will of the women.
“We believe this outcome will bring more unity to the NLC in Ebonyi. If we remain united, there is no force we cannot overcome,” he said, encouraging the new leadership to work collaboratively with their male counterparts to strengthen the state’s labour movement.
In a goodwill message to the conference, NLC National President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, reaffirmed the Congress’s commitment to gender equality and the inclusion of women in leadership roles across all union levels. He reminded attendees that, according to the NLC Constitution, the Chairpersons of State Women Committees automatically serve as Vice Chairpersons of their respective State Administrative Councils.
Ajaero urged state councils to fully implement affirmative action policies, ensure women’s participation in decision-making, and adhere to constitutional provisions on gender representation.
“Women in the labour movement must be powerful change agents, advocating for the rights of working women—especially those in the informal sector—and contributing meaningfully to both union and societal development,” he emphasized.
The election was overseen by Chika Ahamuefula, who represented the NLC national leadership as returning officer. He encouraged the new committee to foster unity and work collectively to advance the interests of women workers in Ebonyi State.
