Maritime Workers Union Mourn, as Muritala Kaffo Dies at 66

Maritime Workers Union Mourn, as Muritala Kaffo Dies at 66

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) on Wednesday, lost its Zonal Vice President, Comrade (Alhaji) Muritala Kaffo, fondly called Oscar at age 66.

A statement signed by the Union’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, disclosed that Comrade Kaffo died just a day after he had reported to the office.

“The sad incident occurred on Wednesday, 17th of May, 2023. Comrade Kaffo, before his exit, was a devoted Muslim, married with children and aged 66. He was an indigene of Lagos Island, Lagos State. An agile dockworker, popularly known as “Oscar” and was seen at his place of work on Tuesday, 16th of May, 2022 without any sign of illness″. He was a Unit Chairman and also functioned as District Chairman, Apapa 1; a Zonal Vice President, and lately, a Zonal Coordinator.

“We also recall that he was a very loyal Comrade to the core for the Union and was one of the frontliners of the “Group 999” during the revolution that engulfed the dockworkers and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria as at the time.

“The late Muritala was a jolly good fellow who made many friends around and outside the Union. He built bridges of friendship across board and was a man who had the fear of God. Little wonder he was that friendly, kind, lovable and cherished amongst his colleagues in the Dock Labour sector,

“Comrade Kaffo will be greatly missed by his numerous friends, colleagues, allies, comrades of all categories and will be fondly remembered by his good deeds," the statement reads .

Meanwhile, the President General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, has described the fallen comrade as a dogged fighter for justice and one who sacrificed his all for the good of the Union.He recounted how his struggle and sacrifice under the ‘Group 999’ had helped in retaining peace in the union

His words, "Oscar stood and fought off the stubborn group that tried to hijack the national Secretariat of the Union. It was his struggle and sacrifice that had led to the current peace prevailing in the Union presently. I pray Almighty Allah grant his soul eternal repose and strengthen the family at this trying moment."