The Isoko South branch of the Nigeria Union of Teachers has entered a new phase of leadership after completing its eighth quadrennial delegates conference in Oleh, where Comrade Okolo Evi secured a decisive victory to become chairman. Her election marks the first time a woman will lead the branch in Delta State, a development that drew praise from teachers and union stakeholders.
Comrade Okolo, a Mathematics and Computer Science teacher at Origho Primary School in Emosonye, won with 204 votes against Comrade Ejezire Goodluck, who received 136 votes in an open ballot. The exercise, held at the NUT Secretariat Hall, was described by observers as peaceful and well organised, setting a standard for future elections in the state.
The new chairman will work alongside a slate of officials chosen at the conference. Agbagbatu C. Onutomaha emerged as deputy chairman, while Egbe Anthony was elected branch secretary. Idhalama Orevaoghene was chosen as treasurer and Orife Isaac Efemena as financial secretary. The post of publicity secretary went to Osokpor Collins. Udemude Helen was elected social secretary, and Igrigi Kingsley became assistant secretary.
Comrades Enua Mike, Uzobo Augustine and Ejeh Stella Ogheneweware were elected first, second and third vice chairmen. The positions of examiners of accounts went to Egwero John Meriomame and Edo Israel.
In her first remarks after the election, Comrade Okolo thanked delegates for their confidence and promised to uphold the values of the union. She said her priority would be the welfare of teachers, adding that she would work toward resolving long-standing issues such as the delay in releasing pay slips and the stagnation of promotions at level 14. She also pledged to maintain open consultation within the branch.
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The State Chairman of NUT, Delta State Wing, Comrade Poubeni Dickson, urged delegates to uphold fairness and respect the union’s zoning guidelines, which are designed to ensure balanced representation between primary and secondary school teachers. Represented by the state’s second vice chairman, Comrade Ovhrakpa Ese, he encouraged members to avoid sentiment or factional politics while choosing leaders.
Outgoing chairman Chief Dan Odhomo called on the new leadership to preserve the cordial working relationship the branch has built with educational authorities over the years. He noted that collaboration with the state executive would be essential in resolving issues affecting teachers, including the promotion ceiling and the distribution of pay slips.
The conference drew delegates from across the local government area, senior union officials, representatives of the council chairman and other stakeholders. The new executive was later inaugurated by Comrade Ovhrakpa Ese, formally ushering in a new chapter for the union in Isoko South.
