Comrade Yousuo Sworn – In As ITF Chair Africa Seafarers’ , Preaches Continental Unity

By Roland Ekama

 

Chief Engr Bob Yousuo has been sworn in as the Africa Seafarers chair at the just concluded 46th International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) Global Congress held in Marrakesh, Morocco.

Recall that Yousuo won the top position at the ITF Regional Congress election in Ivory Coast was ratified and sworn in over the weekend.

Besides, Chief Yousuo was also crowned with the position of Africa chair for Fair Practice Committee Steering Group (FPCSG) –

He is also the President, Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA), an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Chief Yousuo, a seasoned mariner and Africa number 1 Seafarer by his current position in his acceptance speech told the gathering that “It is my pleasure and honour to speak to you, my brothers and sister. First and foremost, I want to congratulate Bro. Stephen Cotton on his re-election as the Secretary General of ITF family and the ever caution and dynamics President of ITF, Bro. Garry Paddy.”, this he stated at the Congress during his speech

He acknowledged the presence of ITF Africa delegates mostly the Nigerian contingents for their support.

 

Yousuo reiterated that ITF is the most globally recognized and accepted workers’ Union and that over 90% of world trade is being transported by sea through seafarers.

He said seafaring is a very challenging and herculean task, adding that as the chair of seafarers in Africa till the next Congress, his responsibilities would be to ensure that seamen in the continent are united to fight the common enemies.

 

Whilst describing common enemies as the slave masters, Yousuo vowed that all seafarers within the African regions will be protected and with good wages as signing of Collective Bargaining Agreement CBA with respective companies shall be given top priority.

“Please, permit me to say that in my Country, Nigeria, we have what we call the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) which requires all shipping companies to have CBA with respective unions. Within this period as I chair, we shall have collaboration within the Africa Seafarers Unions. We shall uphold the tenets of togetherness.

“Automation and manless systems is what the future holds in vessels’ building, so we shall ensure our preparedness for this change that reduces man power in the name of efficiency and safety.

“Collectively we shall work together to move Africa Seafarers to greater heights. “he said.