Lagos, Nigeria – A cheque of N1.5 million was presented to each of the families of 25 deceased members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos State Council, in a powerful show of support and solidarity. The presentation took place on Thursday evening at the union’s secretariat in Agege during a special empowerment program aimed at assisting the widows and families of late union members.
Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle Sego, Chairman of the NURTW Lagos State Council, spearheaded the initiative, personally donating an additional N1 million to the widow of a former executive member. This gesture was part of the union’s broader effort to ensure that the families of its late members, who had served the union in various executive roles and as trustees, were not left to struggle in their time of grief.
Sego shared that the initiative was born out of deep empathy and a genuine commitment to ensuring the families of deceased members were properly cared for. The fallen members, who passed away between January and October 2024, had been integral to the union’s growth and stability, having held key roles across various branches and zones throughout Lagos State. Their dedication had been central to the union’s operations, and Sego emphasized that the gesture was a way of recognizing their invaluable contributions even after their passing.
This initiative is not stipulated in our constitution, but it is something I believe we must do. We cannot leave our people to suffer, Sego said while presenting the cheques. We are providing this assistance from the union’s resources, not personal wealth, and we are doing so with fairness and without discrimination. Whether the deceased had one wife or multiple, each family will receive the same amount.
The union’s leadership made it clear that this act of generosity was part of a larger, ongoing commitment to the well-being of members and their families. Sego vowed to continue supporting the families of deceased members, as well as elderly or vulnerable members who may no longer be active in the union. He expressed his determination to build a legacy that honored the work and sacrifices of those who helped shape the union into what it is today.
While the event was largely a display of solidarity and generosity, a brief moment of tension occurred when Mrs. Olufunmilayo Ogunbunmi, the widow of Comrade Wasiu Ogunbunmi from Ikorodu, raised concerns. She explained that she was the third wife of the deceased, and her son, the youngest of his children, had not received the cheque intended for her late husband. Her situation prompted a private discussion, and it was resolved without disrupting the event.
The ceremony was met with warm applause and appreciation from the attendees, which included the families of the late union members. Many expressed their heartfelt thanks to Sego for remembering their loved ones in such a meaningful way, especially in a time of economic difficulty for many in the country. Their prayers for Sego’s continued success and strength resonated throughout the gathering.
A beneficiary, Mrs. Oluwafunmilayo Ogunbunmi, expressed her surprise at receiving an additional N1 million donation from Sego. “I didn’t know anything about this program before today. I was shocked when I learned that Alhaji Sego was giving me this personal support. This money will help me take care of my son, pay my rent, and keep my business running,” she said.
Akinyode Adeyinka who is also one of the beneficiaries shared his joy, stating that he and his elder sister would use the funds to complete the building their late father had started. We are incredibly grateful for this support
Comrade Usman Teslim, Secretary of the NURTW Lagos State Council, praised Sego for his commitment to improving the lives of union members and their families. He remarked that such initiatives were crucial for changing public perception of the union, underscoring Sego’s dedication to making a lasting impact.
This is more than just financial assistance; it’s a powerful statement that Sego is determined to uplift our people and ensure that their welfare remains a priority, Teslim said.
Prince Idowu Onikoyi Johnson, Chairman of the Lagos Island Branch E of the union, also commended Sego for his dedication to the welfare of the families of late members. “For Alhaji Sego to step up and care for the families of those who have passed speaks volumes about his leadership. We pray that God continues to guide him in all his endeavors,” Johnson said.
With this empowerment program, Sego and the NURTW Lagos State Council have demonstrated a strong commitment to the welfare of their members, ensuring that even in death, the contributions of loyal union members are remembered and honored.
, Lagos State Council, in a powerful show of support and solidarity.){kind=link}