Nigeria Welders And Fitters Association Re-Unite…Inaugurates New Exco
The acrimonious relationship between Nigerian Welders Association (NWA) and Nigerian National Fitters Association (NNFA), affiliate of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has been laid to rest as both bodies have been untited, merged as Nigeria Welders and Fitters Association (NIWEFA), as well as inaugurated its executive.
The inauguration took place at the Bungavil Hotel, Abacha Road, GRA Phase III, Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the ceremony, Comrade Chief Joseph Awala the National President of the Association described the ceremony as an epoch making occasion, as it was the product of a merger of the dissolved Nigeria Welders Association (NNFA).
According to him, the two former associations were pursuing their trade unions registration separately from about 2005 till sometimes in 2008 when both associations were advised by the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress to merge and become stronger, stressing that the two former associations finally merged during a two day joint delegates conference held on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th July, 2012 at the Labour House in Asaba the Delta State capital.
The NIWEFA boss further hinted that the association held its maiden national executive council meeting in Port Harcourt in less than one month after the conclusion of the merger they resolved to harmonized and inaugurated all state councils of NIWELFA, stressing that the inauguration was the third to be handled by the national leadership of the association and enjoined members to join with the Rivers State chapter of the association.
According to him, apart from the associations’ objectives,” we are interested to train our members in both welding and fitting hence we have resolved to build a minimum of two training centres in each geographical zones in Nigeria, adding that Rivers States was chosen as one of the states to build because of its peaceful environment.
He further stated that the association intended to have a state of the Art class of welders and fitters training centre where various equipment shall be made available, pointing out that the training centre will be affiliated to degree awarding institution and appeal to Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to come to their aid.
He called on the federal government to implement the provisions of the local content act which intends to project and protect interests of Nigerians, especially the skilled professionals in every sector of the economy, among others.
In his speech the Commissioner for Commerce and Industries, Rivers State, Barr. Chuma Chinye who noted that Nigeria provides the brightest hope for generating substance and growth on self employment and self-reliance, saving and visible investment needed for radical economic development on skills acquisition, adding that Nigeria was interested in industrialization and structural transportation like welding and fitting that are vital instruments for rapid development of the economy of the country.
The commissioner who was represented by Hon. Nwaniwu Leonard, the Deputy Director in the ministry implored young school leavers/graduates not to continue seeking for white color jobs which are not forthcoming, but to embark on self employment ventures by acquiring skills, such as welding fitters, among others which are needed in different oil companies and congratulated the new executive being inaugurated.
In their separate speeches Comrade Taiwo Sufianu the Deputy National President of the association, Comrade Edward Hart and Isaac Worgu while congratulating the new executive noted that what the association has been struggling for has been actualized despite the challenges and urged them to be committed until they get their target as well as be in harmony and work for the progress of the association.
The newly inaugurated Chairman of the Nigeria Welders and Fitters Association (NIWELFA) Rivers state chapter, Comrade Obioma Henry Azunda while thanking the members of the association for the honour done him and his colleagues assured to build the association’s secretariat which he said is his priority as well as build a workshop for the training of the members.
The state chapter chairman of the association pledged to be committed in his service and carry the workers along in the scheme of things.
Other members inaugurated include Prince Hope Wikina (Deputy Chairman, Comrade Lucky Wali Onuegbu (Secretary) and Comrd Gbenewi Biira (Treasurer) amongst others.

Emeka Jilly Ejiowhor