As the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) mourns the death of its General Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, its President, Joe Ajaero, has said he was not an ordinary man.
This was contained in a communiqué signed by Ajaero, issued after its National Executive Council meeting in Enugu and made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja.
The NEC said Ugboaja died in the early hours of Saturday, Aug. 22, after a protracted illness which he endured with courage and commitment.
Ajaero said Ugboaja’s death had cast a dark cloud over the labour movement, describing him as a revered leader, defender of workers and a committed advocate of social justice.
“Comrade Ugboaja was not merely a General Secretary; he was the quintessential ‘General Secretary of General Secretaries.’ He was no ordinary man,” Ajaero said.
He described Ugboaja as an erudite scholar, passionate advocate and cerebral strategist whose intellect and legal knowledge strengthened the trade union movement.
“As a true soldier of the working class, he deflected attention from his personal travail, focusing instead on the burdens of Nigerian workers, even in his final days,” he said.
Ajaero said Ugboaja was a formidable negotiator and active presence on picket lines, defending workers’ rights and championing social justice.
He recalled Ugboaja’s participation as a delegate at the 2005 National Political Reform Conference and the 2014 National Conference, where he articulated the interests of workers and the downtrodden.
Ajaero said Ugboaja’s commitment extended beyond Nigeria, describing him as a strong advocate of international working-class solidarity and the rights of oppressed people.
“He was a brilliant blessing that walked amongst us and a very steady voice,” he said.
The NLC president said the Congress was working with Ugboaja’s family to ensure that he received a befitting farewell in recognition of his contributions to the labour movement.
He urged workers and affiliated unions to remain steadfast and continue the struggle for equity, fair play and justice in workplaces.
“The struggle has indeed lost a titan,” Ajaero said, urging members to remain committed to the ideals for which Ugboaja stood.
He extended condolences to Ugboaja’s immediate family, the NLC family and affiliated unions, urging members to keep faith with the struggle.
“Though our General has fallen, his spirit will answer ‘Present!’ in our ongoing struggle for equity and fair play in our workplaces,” Ajaero said.
