366 DAYS IN OFFICE: Merchant Navy President, Yousou Gives Stewardship Account 

The Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA) on Tuesday took stock of the overwhelming achievements of the present executives led by Comrade Bob Yousou as the National President as they clocked one year in office.

 

The union in a statement made available to the newsmen by the General Secretary, Comrade John Aleakhue Okpono stated that Yousou has been able to get a befitting secretariat within one year of his ascension into power.

 

According to the release, Yousou who clocked one year in office on Monday, has engaged employers of labour and seafarers’ on  increment of workers’ salaries as well as increase the union’s membership in International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) for effective representation.

 

Yousou who is popularly called Mr. achiever, according to the statement has also introduced cooperative to better the lots of  members.

 

Some of the achievements recorded within the 366 days, the statement disclosed  also include;  A befitting National Secretariat with modern facilities for ease of operation and staff comfort.

 

Among the salient achievements of the union according to the General Secretary include, Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) for improved welfare packages in ensuring that Nigerian Seafarers are paid in line with the international guide lines.

 

On stakeholders engagement in the maritime sector, the National President has had robust relationship with stakeholders like the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM) , Marine Engineering Society of Nigeria, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria  (MWUN) & International Transport Workers Federation (ITF)”, the statement explained.

 

Continuing, it noted that Bob Yousuo ‘n his  one year in office also “concluded several CBAs for better welfare of Nigeria Seafarers with the appointment of advisory  elders council poised  to engage stakeholders on constructive issues on maritime labour matters

 

In achieving all these, Okpono said Yousou made personal scarifies  for the growth and development of the association.

 

By Roland Ekama