By Remi Johnson
Agencies and staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have organised a surprise birthday celebration for the President of the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC), Comrade Rifkatu Iortyer, who clocked 58.
On the occasion in Abuja, the celebrant commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, for his commitment to infrastructure development and the resilence of Union member in advocacy.
She urged the FCT Administration to give greater attention to the welfare of civil servants who drive the day-to-day operations of government.
Reflecting on recent labour agitations within the FCTA, Mrs Iyorter appreciated the sacrifices of workers and acknowledge the support received from the media and other stakeholders during periods of industrial tension.
The JUAC President expressed gratitude to workers and union members for their resilience and solidarity during critical negotiations with the FCTA management.
She recalled the period preceding the total shutdown of the FCTA Secretariat, noting that the industrial action came at a significant personal cost to many union members.
According to her, some workers personally financed hotel accommodation in the city centre to enable them to arrive early at protest venues, while a key union member reportedly lost a vehicle following late-night strategy meetings with management.
She also alleged that union leaders experienced communication monitoring and phone surveillance during the period of heightened labour agitation.
Iortyer asssured, that JUAC had adopted a new approach centred on constructive engagement, long-term sustainability to ensure institutional peace.
She stressed the need that physical infrastructure should be matched with improved welfare and working conditions for civil servants.
Iortyer acknowledged the delicate role of the media in balancing public interest with institutional sensitivities, commended journalists for their professionalism and sustained coverage of labour-related developments.
Iortyer expressed appreciation to her family for their moral support and thanked the various FCTA secretariats, SDS staff, call centre personnel and organising committees involved in the surprise birthday celebration.
” Workers personally funded hotel stays in the city center to ensure early arrivals at protest sites.A key union member permanently lost a vehicle following late-night strategy sessions with management.”
In her remarks, the Director , FCT Department of Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, offered prayers and a tribute to the celebrant.
Drawing from Psalm 103, Ahmadu prayed for renewed strength, joy, good health and continued success for Iortyer.
She described the JUAC President as a selfless leader with a generous spirit and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of others.
Ahmadu, who led colleagues and guests in a formal toast, wished Iortyer many more years of impactful service, noting that her contributions to the FCT workforce extended beyond her official responsibilities to her personal commitment to uplifting others.
The Call Center hall which was filled to Capacity in honour of Comrade Rifkatu Iyorter featured goodwill messages , where many staff of the FCDA testified that she is indeed a selfless “Jolly Good Fellow “