The Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Delta State Council, Comrade Wilson Asekutu, has been honoured with the National Excellent Leadership Award (NELAL), in recognition of his outstanding contributions to labour relations, workers’ welfare, and national development.
The award ceremony was organised by the National Excellent Leadership Award and Lecture platform, under the leadership of its Director-General, Dr. Lotanna Okoye. The initiative celebrates individuals who have demonstrated measurable impact across various sectors in Nigeria. It is a sub-project of the African Change Makers Accelerators Programme, organised by the African Award Group, with the Professional Public Speaking and Leadership Academy Africa serving as the lead institution.
Dr. Okoye noted that Comrade Asekutu and other distinguished Nigerians were selected based on their proven track records in industrial relations and unwavering commitment to workers’ welfare. He explained that the award serves as a strategic platform to spotlight excellence, inspire leadership, and reshape the national narrative by recognising individuals whose contributions often go unnoticed.
According to him, Asekutu’s recognition reflects his enduring commitment to ethical leadership, inclusive governance, and the advancement of workers’ welfare, positioning him as a key voice in Nigeria’s labour sector.
In his remarks shortly after receiving the award in Abuja, Comrade Asekutu expressed appreciation to the organisers for the honour and pledged to remain steadfast in advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers. He also called for urgent intervention by the Federal Government to address the prevailing economic challenges affecting workers across the country.
While commending the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for infrastructural development, particularly in road construction, the TUC Chairman urged the state government to further prioritise workers’ welfare. He called for the implementation of strategic measures to cushion the harsh economic realities faced by workers.
Comrade Asekutu, a seasoned industrial relations expert with over a decade of experience in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, was also recognised for his consistent advocacy for workers’ rights and his role in strengthening labour institutions. In his professional capacity at Chevron Nigeria Limited, he has earned a reputation for promoting balanced corporate-industrial relations, aligning organisational goals with employee welfare and dignity.