By Tracy Ohovwere
The Edo State chapter of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) on July 16, 2025, hosted a South-South Women’s Development Workshop at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Secretariat in Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, aimed at strengthening women’s leadership and development within the union.
The workshop brought together women representatives from MHWUN across the South-South region, including Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa, and Edo States. It served as a platform for capacity-building, experience-sharing, and strategic empowerment.
Welcoming participants, the South-South Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Mercy Omokhodion, underscored the importance of the workshop as more than a routine gathering. “This is not just another meeting; it is a platform designed to empower, equip, and elevate the voices of women in MHWUN both in the workplace and society at large,” she said.
The workshop also received significant support from union leaders, including male counterparts from the Nigeria Labour Congress and MHWUN at national and state levels, signaling a strong endorsement of women’s advancement within the labour movement.
The MHWUN National President, Comrade Dr. Kabiru Ado Sani Minjibir, who was represented by the Deputy National President, Comrade Chief Goodluck Ofobruku, urged the women to pursue excellence and unity in their leadership roles. He called for solidarity among members to build a stronger union and improve members’ welfare.
Edo State MHWUN Council Chairman, Comrade Ogbeide Osagie, welcomed all participants and commended the initiative. He stressed the importance of translating the workshop’s lessons into actionable steps at state and branch levels.
The event featured the presentation of awards to outstanding union members for their contributions to the union’s growth. It also included a seminar on “Climate Change and Just Transition: Impact on Health Workers,” highlighting the intersection between environmental issues and healthcare service delivery.
Participants left the workshop energized to champion greater inclusion, leadership, and impact for women within the union and beyond.
