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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of the General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, describing the late labour leader as a formidable voice in the struggle for workers’ rights, welfare and dignity.
Ugboaja, who died on Thursday, was remembered by the President as a veteran trade unionist and legal practitioner whose expertise played a critical role in labour negotiations and engagements between workers, government and employers.
In a condolence message issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu extended his sympathy to the NLC, its affiliate unions, the legal profession, Ugboaja’s family and all those mourning his death.
The President said Ugboaja’s contributions to constructive engagement with government authorities and employers would remain a significant part of his legacy in Nigeria’s labour movement.
“Comrade Ugboaja, who died on Thursday, devoted his professional life to advancing the rights, welfare and dignity of workers,” Tinubu said.
The President described Ugboaja’s combination of legal expertise, trade union experience and administrative capacity as a major asset to the labour movement.
According to him, the late NLC General Secretary brought to trade unionism “a rare combination of legal knowledge, strategic insight, administrative competence and an unwavering commitment to justice.”
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Tinubu particularly highlighted Ugboaja’s role as General Secretary, saying he carried the responsibility of coordinating the affairs of the NLC and providing strategic direction for the operations of the labour movement and its affiliate unions at critical periods.
“He helped to forge a common purpose among workers and their representatives,” he said.
The President also acknowledged Ugboaja’s central role in negotiations involving the government and employers, noting that his legal training, experience and deep understanding of industrial relations were invaluable during such engagements.
Tinubu said the late labour leader’s professional life was defined by meaningful service to workers and the broader cause of justice.
He prayed that God Almighty would comfort Ugboaja’s family, members of the labour community and others affected by his death.
The President urged the bereaved to draw comfort from the knowledge that Ugboaja lived a life devoted to service and the advancement of workers’ interests.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace,” Tinubu said.
