Bunu Showers MWUN Members with Cash Gifts At Flamboyant End-of-year Party
President General of MWUN, Comrade Francis Bunu (middle) flanked by Vice President General, Comrade Tajudeen Ohize (right) and the image maker of the union, Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna during the 2025 end-of-year party last week Friday
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) on Friday, December 19, 2025, rounded off its activities for the year with a colourful end-of-year celebration marked by worker recognition, cash rewards, and a strong display of labour solidarity.
Union officials described the gathering as an unprecedented event in MWUN’s history. Held under the leadership of the President-General, Comrade Francis Bunu, the celebration brought together workers, staff, and executives in what was widely regarded as the largest end-of-year party ever organised by the union, reinforcing internal cohesion amid ongoing reforms in the maritime sector.
As part of activities to formally close the 2025 calendar year, MWUN presented cash awards to deserving members in recognition of punctuality, dedication, and exemplary conduct. In the punctuality category, the Deputy Secretary-General in charge of Administration and Personnel, Comrade John Ekpo, received a cash prize of ₦100,000.
In the best-dressed category, the Deputy Secretary-General in charge of Protocol and the union’s representative of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), Comrade Kenneth Ibanga, was awarded ₦100,000, alongside the General Secretary of the Dockworkers Branch, Comrade Mathew Adele, who also received ₦100,000.
Female award recipients included Comrade Akala Mistura of the Accounts Department, who emerged best dressed, as well as Funke Apesin, Assistant Secretary-General (Administration), and Serifat Ogbede, Personal Assistant to the President-General. Each received ₦100,000 in cash.
Additional recognitions in the punctuality category went to the union’s Chief Driver, Comrade John Kessy, and the Assistant General Secretary of the Dockworkers Branch, Comrade Rotimi, who both received ₦100,000 each. Comrade Taofeek Adeleke was also rewarded as the best among MWUN security personnel.
In the entertainment segment, the Vice President-General, Comrade Martina Njoku, emerged as the best female dancer during an open dance competition and received ₦50,000, while other participants went home with consolation prizes.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a special award to the President-General by the organisers of the “Face of Maritime,” alongside the 2025 Queen of the platform, in recognition of his leadership within Nigeria’s maritime labour movement.
Speaking at the event, Comrade Bunu thanked participants for their discipline and conduct, reaffirming the values expected of union members.
He noted that “the only way this tempo can be surpassed is through hard work, dedication, punctuality, commitment, and loyalty.” He also commended the organisers of the “Face of Maritime” for sustaining the annual event and expressed appreciation to journalists in attendance.
The celebration featured a variety of local delicacies drawn from Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, including the Niger Delta, South-West, South-East, and Northern regions, reflecting the union’s commitment to inclusiveness and national representation.
MWUN officials said the event underscored the union’s dedication to worker motivation and unity as it positions maritime labour to engage more effectively with evolving port operations, industrial relations, and sector-wide reforms in the years ahead.
