THESHIELD Garkuwa
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The Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) received with profound shock, deep anguish and an overwhelming sense of loss the news of the passing of the General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Emmanuel Okechukwu Ugboaja, ESQ., mni.
This is not just the passing of an individual. It is the loss of a formidable voice, a brilliant mind, a seasoned trade unionist and a committed servant of the Nigerian working class.
Comrade Ugboaja was a rare combination of intellect, courage, humility and conviction. He was dogged in the pursuit of justice, exceptionally cerebral in his approach to issues and remarkably articulate in defending the interests and dignity of workers. He possessed an uncommon capacity to interrogate issues deeply, understand their historical context and offer perspectives that were both intellectually compelling and practically relevant.
He was, indeed, a man who understood the labour movement – not merely as an institution, but as a historic struggle for justice, equity, dignity and human emancipation.
As General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ugboaja brought to the office a wealth of experience, intellectual depth and a profound understanding of trade unionism. His interventions, engagements and contributions enriched the discourse of the labour movement and strengthened the Congress in its engagements with government, employers and other social partners.
But beyond his impressive intellectual and professional credentials was a remarkably gentle and humble gentleman. He demonstrated that courage does not have to be loud, and that firmness can coexist with civility. He was a comrade whose brilliance never diminished his humanity and whose deep knowledge was matched by an admirable sense of responsibility.
His understanding of the history and traditions of the Nigerian labour movement made him a valuable repository of institutional memory. He carried the experiences of generations of struggles and understood that every victory secured by workers was built upon the sacrifices of those who came before.
Today, the labour movement mourns one of its finest.
His death has come at a time when the Nigerian working class and the trade union movement continue to confront complex challenges. His voice, his counsel, his intellectual interventions and his unwavering commitment to the struggle will be profoundly missed.
The Kaduna State Council particularly shares in the grief of the National Leadership of the Congress, led by our President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and the entire NLC family.
We can only imagine the depth of the pain of our President at the loss of a General Secretary with whom he shared a remarkable working relationship and a common commitment to the defence of workers. The partnership between Comrade Joe Ajaero and Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja represented a powerful convergence of intellectual depth, courage, experience and doggedness in the service of the working class.
The loss is therefore deeply personal to the leadership of the Congress and profoundly consequential for the labour movement.
To the family of Comrade Ugboaja, we say: Nigeria has lost a patriot; the labour movement has lost a comrade; the Congress has lost a dependable servant; but you have lost a husband, father, brother and loved one whose absence can never truly be replaced.
At this difficult moment, may you find comfort in the knowledge that his life was one of service, sacrifice and impact. His was a life that touched institutions, comrades and workers, and his contributions will remain part of the history of the Nigerian labour movement.
For us in Kaduna State Council, we mourn not only the General Secretary but the comrade, the intellectual, the gentleman and the voice of reason whose contributions enriched our collective struggle.
Yet, even as we mourn, we must remember that the ideals Comrade Ugboaja represented must not die with him.
*The struggle for workers’ rights must continue.*
*The struggle for decent work must continue.*
*The struggle for social justice must continue.*
*The struggle for the dignity of labour must continue.*
And in continuing that struggle, we shall carry with us the memory, courage, wisdom and example of Comrade Emmanuel Okechukwu Ugboaja.
His footprints are firmly etched in the history of the Nigerian labour movement. His contributions will continue to inspire those who remain committed to the cause of workers. His voice may have fallen silent, but the ideals he championed will continue to speak through the struggles of workers and trade unionists across Nigeria and beyond.
The Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress therefore joins the National Leadership of the NLC, Nigerian workers, the Nigerian labour movement, trade unions across Africa and the global trade union movement in mourning this monumental loss.
We pray that the Almighty God, in His infinite mercy, will grant Comrade Emmanuel Okechukwu Ugboaja, ESQ., mni, eternal rest; grant his family the strength and comfort to bear this painful loss; and grant the leadership and entire membership of the Nigeria Labour Congress the fortitude, wisdom and courage to navigate this difficult moment.
FAREWELL, COMRADE GENERAL SECRETARY.
FAREWELL, COMRADE EMMANUEL UGBOAJA.
You served the working class with intellect.
You served the movement with courage.
You served humanity with dignity.
YOUR VOICE MAY HAVE FALLEN SILENT, BUT YOUR LEGACY SHALL SPEAK FOREVER.
REST IN POWER, COMRADE.
Aluta Continua!
*Comrade Ayuba Magaji Suleiman*
Chairperson
_Nigeria Labour Congress, Kaduna State Council_
