President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commiserated with the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) over the death of its General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Olusegun Adekunle, President Tinubu described the late Comrade Ugboaja as a strong voice in the workers’ movement who would be sorely missed for his contributions to constructive engagement with government and employers.
The President expressed his condolences to the NLC, its affiliate unions, the legal profession and the family of the late labor leader in a condolence message released by his Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
He described Ugboaja’s death as a big loss to the labor community, noting his commitment to the progress of the rights, welfare and dignity of Nigerian workers.
President said Ugboaja, who died on Thursday, devoted his professional life to the service of workers and brought to the labor movement a rare combination of legal knowledge, strategic insight, administrative competence and an unwavering dedication to justice.
As General Secretary he had enormous responsibility coordinating the affairs and providing strategic direction for the operations of the labor movement and its affiliate unions at critical moments. “He helped to forge a common purpose among workers and their representatives,” the Nigerian Leader said.
The President also noted Ugboaja’s central role in negotiations with government and employers, where his legal training, experience and understanding of industrial relations were invaluable.
He prayed that God Almighty would comfort the late labor leader’s family, the labor community and all who mourn his passing.
President Tinubu advised them to take solace in the fact that Ugboaja lived a life of meaningful service to the country and the workers movement.