Labour Movement, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund mourn NLC General Secretary, Ugboaja

 

 By allcitynews.ng 

The leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed great shock over the demise of the General Secretary, Comrade 

Just as the Managing Director/ Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Mr Oluwaseun Faleye, has expressed profound sadness over the death of the General Secretary of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja.

Faleye described Ugboaja’s passing as a huge loss to the labour movement, saying he stood firm for the rights and dignity of labour.

The NSITF boss, in a condolence message on Friday in Abuja, said Comrade Ugboaja was a committed labour leader, an articulate advocate for Nigerian workers, and a patriot who served with dignity and passion.

“As the General Secretary of the NLC, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja stood firm for the rights and dignity of labour. He was a bridge-builder, a voice of reason, and a dependable partner in the pursuit of protection for all workers.

“A brilliant lawyer and an astute administrator, his contributions to the advancement of workers’ welfare and social justice will be greatly missed”, the MD stated. 

While celebrating Ugboaja’s life of service, courage, and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian worker, the NSITF MD said his legacy of advocacy and integrity will endure. 

“On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of NSITF, we commiserate with the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero and his team, the family he has left behind, and the entire labour movement.  

“May the Almighty grant his soul eternal rest, and grant the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”, Falaye added.

Nigeria Labour Congress helmsman 

On his part, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said a dark cloud has befallen the Labour Movement over Tragic death of General Secretary, Comrade Ugboaja

In the statement by Comrade Joe Ajaero, the labour centre, reacting to the shocking news while they were having National Executive Council (NEC), lamenting over the demise, pointed out that "deep shadow of grief has enveloped the unionIt is therefore with the deepest sorrow and a heavy sense of loss that we, the leaders of Nigerian workers, officially inform the nation and the global trade union movement of the passing of our revered General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Okechukwu Ugboaja, Esq., mni."

The NEC received the heartbreaking news of Comrade Ugboaja's transition from his family. He answered the final call in the early hours of Saturday, August 22, 2026, after a protracted illness which he fought with characteristic stoicism and courage. 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.

Comrade Ugboaja was not merely a General Secretary; he was the quintessential "General Secretary of General Secretaries." He was no ordinary man! An erudite scholar, a passionate advocate, and a cerebral strategist, he brought to the trade union movement an intellect that was as sharp as his legal mind, honed at the University of Calabar. He denied himself the comforts and privileges of life to shield the Nigerian workers and the oppressed masses, not just in Nigeria, but throughout the globe. His commitment to international working-class solidarity was a testament to his internationalist conviction.

In his tenure, Comrade Ugboaja was a robust figure at the negotiating table and a rugged presence on the picket line. He was a man of the people, serving as a delegate at the National Political Reform Conference in 2005 and the National Conference in 2014, where he articulated the cause of the downtrodden with unparalleled clarity. He was a brilliant blessing that walked amongst us and a very steady voice.

The NEC resolves that such a gallant and brilliant leader deserves a fitting rite of passage. Consequently, the leadership of the NLC is currently working in close partnership with the family to ensure he is accorded the dignity and honour he so richly deserves. We will ensure that the labour movement, in all its activities, gives him a farewell that echoes his contributions to the struggle for social justice.

While we are sorely bereaved, we take solace in the life of service he lived. His legacy endures as a beacon of hope. This is not a funeral; this is a roll call of the living, and though our General has fallen, his spirit will answer "Present!" in our ongoing struggle for equity and fair play in our workplaces. This struggle must continue!

The NEC extends its heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the entire NLC family, and all affiliated unions. We urge comrades to remain steadfast and keep the faith in the struggle. The struggle has indeed lost a titan!

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