The President of the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC), Comrade Rifkatu Iortyer, has opened up on the sacrifices made by Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) workers during recent labour agitations, praising staff for their resilience and unity in demanding better welfare.
Iortyer spoke during a surprise gathering organised to celebrate her 58th birthday, where she reflected on the tense period that preceded the shutdown of the FCTA Secretariat and the efforts made by union members to press home their demands.
According to her, workers made significant personal sacrifices during the agitation, with some personally paying for hotel accommodation in the city centre to ensure they arrived early at protest venues.
She also revealed that a key union member permanently lost a vehicle following late-night strategy meetings with management, while union leaders allegedly endured communication monitoring and phone surveillance during the period.
Iortyer said the experience demonstrated the determination and unity of FCTA workers in standing up for their interests.
The JUAC president also expressed appreciation to members of the FCT Minister’s Press Corps for their coverage and professional support during the labour dispute.
She acknowledged the difficult position journalists often find themselves in when covering disagreements between workers and government, particularly where editorial considerations limit the publication of internal grievances.
Despite the challenges, Iortyer commended the press for maintaining professional relationships with the union and reporting key developments and milestones during the period of agitation.
She described the media as an important partner in communicating issues affecting workers and the administration to the public.
On the development of the FCT, Iortyer acknowledged the visible improvements in infrastructure, particularly the expansion and rehabilitation of road networks across the territory.
She, however, urged the FCT leadership to adopt a balanced approach by giving greater attention to the welfare of civil servants who drive the day-to-day operations of the administration.
The JUAC president said the union had adopted a new strategy focused on long-term sustainability, constructive engagement and industrial peace.
She expressed hope that the FCT leadership would recognise the contributions of civil servants and continue to prioritise their welfare alongside infrastructure development.
Iortyer also thanked her family for their moral support and appreciated the secretariats, SDS staff, call centre personnel and organising committees that contributed to the success of the surprise birthday celebration.
Also speaking at the event, the Director, FCT Department of Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, offered prayers and goodwill messages to the celebrant.
Drawing from Psalm 103, Ahmadu prayed for renewed strength, joy and continued success for Iortyer.
During a formal toast, she described the JUAC president as an exceptional leader, praising her generosity, warmth and commitment to uplifting others.
Ahmadu also commended Iortyer’s dedication to the workforce and her contributions to the FCT administration.
She wished the celebrant good health, greater impact and many more years of fruitful service to the Federal Capital Territory.
