Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed deep grief over the death of the Congress’s General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the labour movement in Nigeria and across Africa.
In a condolence statement issued in Benin City, Chairman of the Edo State NLC Caretaker Committee, Prof. Monday Lewis Igbafen, said Ugboaja’s death had deprived the working class of a rare and courageous advocate who remained steadfast in defending workers’ rights and welfare throughout his years of service.
Igbafen described the late General Secretary as a committed labour leader whose dedication to the advancement of workers’ interests left an enduring mark on the labour movement.
According to Igbafen, the late labour leader made invaluable contributions to the advancement of the working class, not only in Nigeria but across the African continent.
“The labour movement will sorely miss Comrade Ugboaja’s towering contributions to the upliftment of the working class in Nigeria and on the African continent.
His voice was a voice for the voiceless, and his service, a service to humanity,” the statement said.
The Edo State NLC described Ugboaja as a rare gem whose courage, sacrifice and dedication to the labour cause earned him a distinguished place in the history of the workers’ movement.
The Council extended its heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the national leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, and workers and comrades across Nigeria, saying his death represents an irreparable loss to the labour community.
It also prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul, while expressing confidence that his enduring legacy of courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment to workers’ rights would continue to inspire generations of labour activists.
The Edo NLC noted that Ugboaja’s contributions would remain indelibly etched in the annals of the Nigeria Labour Congress and in the hearts of comrades across Nigeria, Africa and beyond.
“Rest in peace, our gallant General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress”, the union prayed.
