Organised labour celebrates Sunmonu twins at 80

The organised labour in the country has felicitated with the pioneer president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and former General Secretary of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU), Hassan Sunmonu, and his twin brother, Hussein, on their 80th birthday.

It also rejoiced with the labour leader’s wife, Wasilat, who turned 76.

NLC National President, Ayuba Wabba, stated yesterday that the celebration was multiple for the Sunmonus. He noted that the labour leader, who hails from Osogbo in Osun State, grew up to embrace activism, adding that as a student of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Sunmonu was elected the President of the Students Union Government (SUG) and executive member of the National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS).

“Upon joining the civil service in 1961 as a staff of the Federal Ministry of Works and Survey, Sunmonu became actively involved in trade unionism. He rose to become the General Secretary of the Association of Technical Officers in the Federal Ministry of Works and Survey.

“In 1969, he became Assistant Secretary of the Public Works Aerodrome Technical and General Workers’ Union. Five years later, he was elected the President of the Public Works Aerodrome Technical and General Workers’ Union,” Wabba stated.

According to him, Sunmonu proved himself in those responsibilities and won the admiration of many workers in Nigeria across different sectors.

“As Sunmonu clocks 80 today, NLC and the working-class movement in Nigeria wish him and the other Sunmonus also celebrating today many more fulfilling years of exemplary service to God, the working class and humanity,” the NLC added.