Workers’ Day: JUSUN wins 2025 Anambra NLC cup
Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has emerged as the winner of the 2025 Anambra State Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) cup.
The competition was part of the activities marking May 1 workers’ Day celebrations in the state.
The NLC-organized competition brought together affiliate unions to showcase their sporting prowess and foster unity among labour unions in the state.
In the evening match held at Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka, JUSUN team emerged champions, defeating the Nigeria Union of Mine Workers (NUMW) 2-1 in the closely contested game.
The competition kick-off was performed by Hon. Kingsley Ikebudu, Special Adviser on Youths, Sports, and Special Duties to the Mayor of Awka South LGA. He commended NLC for organizing the competition, highlighting its role in promoting unity and love among workers in the state.
Before the match, Comrade Humphrey Nwafor, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Anambra State Chapter, stated that the football competition was designed to celebrate the unity and solidarity among workers in Anambra State.
“The programme started on Monday, featuring players who are members of civil servants in Anambra. As we know, these unions are key governance bodies in the state. We have about 40 unions in the state, with around 37 active ones. Earlier today, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Civil Service Union played for third place. Now, the finalists are competing.
The aim of this game is to bring affiliate unions together, fostering brotherhood. As the saying goes, ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.’ This isn’t about professional sports; it’s about entertainment and enjoying each other’s company.”
During interview, the chairman disclosed that NLC has also rolled out free medical tests to Anambra workers as part of the events to commemorate the year’s worker’s day.
He said the initiative tagged: “know your status,” is aimed at promoting workers’ health and well-being, and would offer various medical screenings and tests.
The chairman said the free medical tests would be given to over 2,0000 workers in the state as part of NLC’s efforts to improve workers’ welfare and living standard.
He said the event would be held in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and the Dr Nonye Soludo Healthy Living Initiative.
“On 30th April, at 10am, we’ll be having healthy living with the wife of the Executive Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, where the Ministry of Health, Healthy Living Initiative will come and talk to over 2,000 workers. They will teach us about healthy living and what it takes to live a healthy life. We considered this because when we make wealth without good health, the wealth is useless,” he said.
Chairman May Day Planning Committee, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, said the event is scheduled to hold on Wednesday April 30, 2025, at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, 10am.
Commending the NLC Chairman for the initiative, his thoughtfulness and commitment to the welfare of workers, Odogwu urged Nigerians in Anambra to seize the opportunity of Wednesday kook after their health for healthy living.
Odogwu, who is also the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State, disclosed other line-up of activities of NLC to include: Session with Anambra Small Business Agency (ASBA), a gala night, and the grand finale at the Alex Ekwueme square on May 1, 2025. He also said thanksgiving outing would mark the end of the 2025 workers day activities.
Comrade Ifeanyichukwu Ezeoke, Chairman of the NLC sub-committee on sports, while congratulating the teams, stated that the activities are geared at improving health, fostering unity and camaraderie among affiliate unions in the state.
