OSHIOMHOLE PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE NLC SECRETARY, UGBOAJA

Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has mourned the death of the General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Emmanuel Okechukwu Ugboaja, describing him as a committed labour activist who dedicated decades to defending the interests of Nigerian workers.

Oshiomhole, in a condolence message personally signed by him, expressed sympathy to the leadership and members of the NLC, its affiliated unions, the wider labour movement and Ugboaja’s family following his death after a prolonged illness.

The former NLC president described Ugboaja as a distinguished trade unionist whose career combined legal knowledge, industrial relations expertise and extensive experience in labour leadership.

According to Oshiomhole, Ugboaja's contribution to the labour movement went beyond his responsibilities as a trade union official, as he also participated in important national discussions on Nigeria's political and constitutional development.

Ugboaja served as a full-time trade unionist and rose through the ranks to become General Secretary of the National Union of Chemical, Footwear, Rubber, Leather and Non-Metallic Products Employees.

He later became the General Secretary of the NLC in 2019, succeeding Peter Ozo-Eson and becoming the fifth person to occupy the position since the establishment of the labour centre.

Oshiomhole recalled Ugboaja's participation in the 2005 Political and Constitutional Reform Conference convened during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He also highlighted the late labour leader's involvement in the 2014 National Conference organised under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The former governor said Ugboaja's participation in these national assignments demonstrated his commitment to issues affecting the country beyond the traditional responsibilities of trade unionism.

Ugboaja died at the age of 60 after a prolonged illness. His death has triggered tributes from labour organisations, political groups and other stakeholders who acknowledged his contribution to Nigeria's labour movement.

Oshiomhole said the death of the NLC General Secretary had created a significant gap within the labour movement, noting that his experience and dedication would be greatly missed by colleagues and workers across the country.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of Ugboaja's soul and asked God to give his immediate family, colleagues, members of the NLC and the entire Nigerian labour movement the strength to cope with the loss.

Ugboaja's death has come at a time when the NLC continues to play a major role in negotiations with government over workers' welfare, wages and other economic issues affecting Nigerian workers.

His years of service therefore leave behind a legacy of involvement in both trade union activities and broader national development discussions.