…Union vows befitting farewell for late labour strategist The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has been thrown into mourning following the read more Tears For a Titan: Tributes rain on legendary NLC scribe, Ugboaja as he bows out
…Union vows befitting farewell for late labour strategist
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has been thrown into mourning following the death of its General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Okechukwu Ugboaja,
Ugboaja died in the early hours of Saturday, August 22, 2026, after a protracted illness.
His death was formally announced by the National Executive Council, NEC, of the NLC at its meeting held on Thursday, August 27, at Hotel Presidential, Enugu.
In a communiqué signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the Congress said the NEC meeting was held under a “deep shadow of grief.”
The NLC described Ugboaja as an exceptional labour leader, scholar, lawyer and strategist whose decades of service left an indelible mark on the Nigerian workers’ movement.
According to the Congress, the late General Secretary remained committed to the welfare of workers and oppressed Nigerians even while battling illness, noting that his final days demonstrated the courage and selflessness that defined his life.
“Comrade Ugboaja was not merely a General Secretary; he was the quintessential ‘General Secretary of General Secretaries,'” the communiqué stated.
The Congress paid tribute to his intellectual depth, legal expertise and unwavering commitment to social justice, recalling that he combined scholarship with frontline trade union activism and proved himself both at the negotiating table and on the picket line.
The NLC also recalled Ugboaja’s roles as a delegate to the 2005 National Political Reform Conference and the 2014 National Conference, where, it said, he consistently articulated the interests of workers, the poor and other vulnerable groups.
Beyond Nigeria, the Congress said Ugboaja was deeply committed to international working-class solidarity and viewed the struggle for workers’ rights as a global cause.
It said his death had created a significant vacuum in the labour movement, describing him as “a brilliant blessing that walked amongst us” and “a very steady voice.”
The NEC resolved that the late General Secretary must be accorded a befitting farewell, disclosing that the leadership of the Congress was already working with his family to organise appropriate rites in his honour.
The NLC said the labour movement’s farewell would reflect the magnitude of his contributions to the struggle for social justice, equity and fairness in the workplace.
While mourning his passing, the Congress urged workers and affiliated unions to remain steadfast and ensure that Ugboaja’s ideals outlive him.
“This is not a funeral; this is a roll call of the living,” the NLC declared. “Although our General has fallen, his spirit will answer ‘Present!’ in our ongoing struggle for equity and fair play in our workplaces.”
The Congress extended condolences to Ugboaja’s immediate family, members of the NLC, affiliated unions and the wider global trade union movement, describing him as a “titan” of the struggle.
“The struggle continues!” it declared.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
