News Report: Union Leaders Urged to Embrace Integrity, Resist Oppression as ASCSN Conducts Branch Conference
Akure, Nigeria – October 17, 2025
Labour leaders and civil servants have been called upon to uphold , courage, and unity in the fight against workplace injustice and deteriorating conditions of service. The charge came from Dr. Awe Babatunde during the 2025 Delegate Conference of the ASCSN Conducting Branch, themed “Repositioning Ascsn for Quality Service Delivery and Peaceful Industrial Relations Protocol”, held at FGGC Akure.
The event, which brought together key stakeholders including the Chapter Chairman, Comrade Yusuf Saliu-Abiodun; TUC Chairman, Comrade Fatuase Clement; Branch Chairman, Comrade Moussa; and Secretary Comrade Colin James, featured passionate appeals for stronger union solidarity and leadership accountability.
Special recognition was given to the Distinguished Awardee, Mrs. Lawal Adenike Ediat, Director and Principal of FGGC Akure, represented by Mrs. Olorunyomi, the FGGC Director of Education.
In his keynote address, Comrade Dr. Awe Babatunde emphasized the vital role of union leaders in articulating workers’ demands, engaging in collective bargaining, and maintaining constructive relations with management. He described union leaders as a vanguard for change, urging them to embody values such as trustworthiness, discipline, and bravery in confronting unjust policies. Quoting Late Gani Fawehinmi -SAN, as saying
“If the law is right, I will be the first to obey it. But if the law is wrong, I will be the first to break it,” he declared, underscoring the union’s right to resist oppressive workplace decisions.
He condemned complacency among union members and challenged leaders to use all available legal and strategic tools—such as lobbying and negotiation—without compromising their mission.
“As union leaders, we don’t beg, we don’t retreat, and we don’t surrender. If we ever do, it’s to re-strategize and fight again,” he affirmed.
Dr. Awe also reflected on the dynamics between leaders and followers within the workforce, noting that union leaders must be prepared to deal with different personality types—from pessimists to sycophants—and remain steadfast in their commitment to justice.
He cautioned that many complaints lodged against union leaders are based on unrealistic expectations, reminding members that union influence has limits and is often constrained by broader structural issues.
The speaker stressed the importance of professionalism and ethical conduct among civil servants, listing key values such as honesty, punctuality, cooperation, and respect for authority.
“We are first and foremost civil servants before becoming union leaders,” he stated, adding that Assets is committed to operating with maturity and civility.
Reflecting on past conferences that were marred by unrest, Dr. Awe applauded the present atmosphere of order and progress, attributing it to the evolution of union consciousness over the years. “The era of banking tables and hooliganism is over. This is the era of dialogue,” he said.
However, he raised alarm over the increasing hardship faced by civil servants under an “insensitive” government. Citing stalled negotiations on minimum wage and skyrocketing tuition fees in public universities, he lamented that many workers could no longer afford to educate their children, particularly in professional courses like law and medicine.
“Hunger has become a weapon. When hunger starts, agitation ends,” he warned, accusing the government of deliberately using poverty to break labour resistance.
The speaker further criticized the “no work, no pay” policy recently reiterated by the Minister of Education, describing it as a calculated attempt to cripple unions. “This is the mess we are in,” he said, revealing that some union members have already buckled under pressure and considered ending industrial actions without results.
He noted that union resilience often comes at a cost and stressed that workers must actively participate in union activities if they expect support in times of crisis. “If you are unjustly oppressed, the union will stand by you. But the union must know you first,” he cautioned.
The speech ended on a reflective and inspirational note, referencing the famous quote from the United Nations Holocaust Memorial Museum on the consequences of inaction:
“Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist… and when they came for me, there was no one left to speak for me.”
Dr. Awe called for unity, encouraging union members to work together rather than in isolation. “Alone, we may go fast. Together, we go far,” he said.
He concluded by congratulating the outgoing executives for their service and urged the incoming leadership to “hold the banner high” in the face of future challenges.
The conference closed with applause and renewed commitment to a more equitable, accountable, and resilient union movement.
