It was a memorable homecoming and a celebration of gratitude, loyalty and shared history on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, as the National Treasurer of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), High Comrade Ziko Okwudi, returned to Aniocha North Local Government Council, Delta State, to appreciate the workers and comrades who stood by him from the beginning of his remarkable journey in the labour movement.
The historic Thank You Visit, held at the Comrade Collins Ogwugwua NULGE Event Centre within the Council Secretariat in Issele-Uku, attracted an impressive array of labour leaders, political leaders, management staff and workers, who gathered to welcome one of their own back to the place where his unionist journey began.
The Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Bazim Chinye, led other principal officers and officials of the Council, alongside the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Local Government Area, Sir Mathew Chinye, to accord the renowned labour leader and his entourage a rousing reception.
Earlier, High Comrade Okwudi had paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman in his office in company of prominent labour leaders, including the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Delta State Council, High Comrade Dr. Goodluck Oforbrouku; the President of NULGE, Delta State, High Comrade Ogberetitinor Obatarhe; as well as members of the State Executive Councils of the NLC and NULGE.
Addressing the enthusiastic gathering, High Comrade Okwudi took the workers down memory lane, recounting how his journey in organised labour began in Aniocha North Local Government Council, where he served as Chairman of the NULGE Branch for two consecutive terms.
From the local branch, his journey took him to the position of Deputy State President of NULGE, and subsequently to the State Presidency. He also served as First Vice Chairman of the NLC, Delta State Council, before his emergence as the National Treasurer of NULGE, Nigeria.
For the National Treasurer, however, the occasion was not about recounting personal accomplishments alone. It was an opportunity to return to his roots and publicly acknowledge the people whose support, confidence and solidarity contributed immensely to his rise in the labour movement.
He recalled that the support he received from workers in Aniocha North, particularly during his elections as Branch Chairman, laid the foundation for his subsequent advancement in union leadership.
According to him, his return was driven by a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude to the workforce that believed in him when his journey was still at its formative stage.
In a remarkable demonstration of appreciation, High Comrade Okwudi provided valuable items worth millions of naira for a raffle draw, with many of the workers emerging as beneficiaries. He also presented cash awards of ₦500,000 each to three individuals in recognition of their exceptional loyalty and commitment to his vision over the years.
The gesture drew admiration from the gathering and reinforced the central message of the occasion: that true leadership does not forget the people who contributed to its success.
High Comrade Okwudi also used the opportunity to commend successive Delta State administrations for their support for local government workers. He particularly acknowledged the role of the immediate past Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, in addressing challenges confronting the workforce in the Local Government Councils, including the approval of funds to clear accumulated salary arrears and measures aimed at preventing the recurrence of promotion-related arrears.
He equally expressed appreciation to the present administration of Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, maintaining that the cordial relationship between organised labour and the Delta State Government had continued to yield positive results for workers.
The Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Bazim Chinye, in his remarks, described the story of High Comrade Okwudi as an inspiring testimony of humble beginnings, perseverance, loyalty, self-belief and service.
He urged workers and other members of the audience to draw lessons from the labour leader’s journey, noting that his rise from the local government level to the national stage demonstrated the possibilities inherent in commitment, consistency and dedication to a worthy cause.
Hon. Chinye particularly applauded the National Treasurer for remembering his roots and returning to celebrate the workers who played important roles in his journey.
According to the Council Chairman, the significance of the gesture lay not merely in the material items presented to beneficiaries, but in the love, sacrifice and deliberate decision of High Comrade Okwudi to identify with those who stood with him over the years.
Describing him as a leader who had remained committed to touching lives even when it was not convenient, Hon. Chinye said the National Treasurer had demonstrated that positions of responsibility should be used to uplift others rather than to disconnect from one’s roots.
The Executive Chairman also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers in Aniocha North Local Government Council.
Responding to requests made during the event, Hon. Chinye granted a request for the employment of a child of a deceased worker and also promised that a befitting staff canteen would be provided for the workforce within one month. He further assured that he would take up the request concerning a second tenure for councillors with relevant leaders in the various wards.
In recognition of his commitment to workers’ welfare, the Delta State Executive Council of NULGE, led by High Comrade Ogberititinor Obartah, conferred the NULGE Distinguished Service Award on Hon. Chinye.
The State President of NULGE said the award followed an independent assessment of the Council’s commitment to workers’ welfare, particularly in areas of staff care and prompt payment of salaries. He described the honour as a recognition of the Executive Chairman’s accessibility, humility and dedication to the welfare of the workforce.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the NLC, Delta State Council, High Comrade Dr. Goodluck Oforbrouku, described High Comrade Okwudi as one of the outstanding labour leaders produced by Aniocha North Local Government Council.
He urged the workers to remain united and continue to support their illustrious colleague, stressing the importance of having committed representatives who understand and can effectively articulate the concerns of workers at higher levels of labour leadership.
The NLC Chairman also acknowledged the contributions of High Comrade Okwudi to the welfare of local government workers, including his role in the successful implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage for the workforce in Delta State.
In his remarks, the NULGE President in Delta State, High Comrade Ogberititinor Obartah, described the National Treasurer as a leader whose life had been characterised by sacrifice and selflessness.
He said High Comrade Okwudi had consistently demonstrated a willingness to place the welfare of workers and other people above personal comfort, adding that his example had inspired many other labour leaders within the State.
For him, the decision of the National Treasurer to return to Aniocha North and empower members of the workforce was therefore consistent with the leadership philosophy he had displayed throughout his years of service.
The Head of Personnel Management of Aniocha North Local Government Council, Mrs. Elizabeth Ojefia, in her welcome address, described the visit as more than an official engagement, but a symbolic homecoming to the environment where High Comrade Okwudi’s labour journey took root.
She noted that the workforce was proud to receive him, not only as the National Treasurer of NULGE, Nigeria, but as a brother and colleague who had returned to acknowledge those who were part of his early journey.
The significance of the occasion was further captured in the citation presented by the Head of Information, Public Relations and Protocol of the Council, Dn Chijioke Ugbolue, who described High Comrade Okwudi as an accomplished unionist, servant leader and distinguished son of Aniocha North whose leadership journey had been marked by perseverance, sacrifice, resilience and an enduring commitment to workers’ welfare.
He noted that by returning to empower and appreciate members of the Aniocha North NULGE Branch, the National Treasurer had demonstrated that genuine leadership is not measured only by the heights attained, but also by the willingness to remember and appreciate those who stood with one on the journey to success.
Indeed, the August 19 gathering was more than a ceremonial visit. It was a reunion between a labour leader and his roots; a celebration of the bond between a leader and the workforce that helped shape his journey; and a powerful reminder that gratitude remains one of the noblest expressions of leadership.
As the lucky beneficiaries went home with valuable empowerment items and other rewards, the larger message of High Comrade Ziko Okwudi’s Thank You Visit resonated clearly across the Council Secretariat: no matter how far one rises, there is honour in remembering where the journey began and the people who made the journey possible.
C. W. Ugbolue
