The Gombe State Council of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has honoured its past leaders with awards and offered scholarships to members in recognition of their service and to encourage continuous growth within the Union.
The twin programmes, held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the School of Nursing Conference Hall, Gombe, drew labour leaders from across the North East and top officials of the Union nationwide.
The Head of Civil Service of Gombe State, Alhaji Ahmed Kassim, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Establishment and Service Matters, attended the event, alongside the National Vice President (North East), Comrade Mamman Buka, who stood in for the National President, Comrade Oluwole Adeleye Sunday. Others present included the National Treasurer, Comrade Saad Mohammed Abubakar, the Union’s General Secretary, Comrade Olowoyo Gbenga, former National Treasurer, Comrade Bawa, as well as the Gombe NLC Chairman, Comrade Yusuf Bello, and his TUC counterpart. All State Chairmen and Secretaries from NCSU councils across the North East were also in attendance.
In his welcome address, the Gombe State Chairman of NCSU, Comrade Abbas Muhammad, said the initiative was designed to sustain the Union’s legacy of capacity building and leadership motivation.
“We organised these twin programmes to sustain the legacy of building human capacity and motivating leaders that have served the Union diligently,” he said. “It is also to encourage upcoming leaders and members to remain committed to the growth of the Union. We believe this will build confidence, trust, and cohesion between leadership and membership.”
Delivering his remarks, the Union’s General Secretary, Comrade Olowoyo Gbenga, commended the Gombe Council’s leadership for taking steps to support education and celebrate service.
“Historians will tell you how best to gauge our future by adopting what we call a historical barometer in shaping our future,” Olowoyo said. “The initiative of the Gombe State Council leadership of NCSU needs to be commended. It should be a clarion call to other leaders on how best to consolidate on the efforts of our past leaders so as to make them feel fulfilled.”
On the scholarship scheme, Olowoyo described it as a timely intervention to support members’ aspirations.
“The initiative of Gombe State Council to help members’ education with scholarships is well appreciated. It is a good idea that will reduce the financial burdens of our members in the pursuit of their educational attainment,” he said.
He further reminded members of the Union’s historic role in Nigeria’s labour movement.
“Nigeria Civil Service Union has come of age, being the first trade union before the Federal Republic of Nigeria was born. The Union is now 113 years old, born on August 19, 1912. Hence, we must guide the Union jealously. It is our collective responsibility to bequeath a united Union to the upcoming generation so that the legacy of our forefathers will continue to be cherished.”
Olubenga also commended the National President of the Union, Comrade Oluwole Adeleye Sunday, who also serves as National Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
“The National leadership of the Union under Comrade Oluwole Adeleye Sunday has continued to provide leadership with a sense of responsibility and the ability to navigate the Union for the benefit of members. We shall continue to uphold the mission and vision of the Union so as to sustain the advocacy started 113 years ago. By the grace of Almighty God, we shall not fail,” he stressed.
The programme closed with recognition of past leaders whose contributions, the Union said, laid the foundation for today’s progress.
