Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has mourned the death of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, describing him as a dedicated labour activist who devoted decades to advancing the interests of Nigerian workers.
Oshiomhole, a former NLC president, expressed his condolences in a personally signed statement addressed to the NLC president and its leadership, affiliated unions, members of the Nigerian labour movement and the family of the deceased.
Ugboaja died following a protracted illness.
The senator described the late labour leader’s career as an exceptional combination of legal expertise, industrial relations experience and trade union leadership.
According to Oshiomhole, Ugboaja served as a full-time trade unionist and steadily rose through the ranks before becoming General Secretary of the National Union of Chemical, Footwear, Rubber, Leather and Non-Metallic Products Employees (NUCFRLANMPE).
He also highlighted Ugboaja’s contributions to national affairs beyond the labour movement, noting that he participated in the 2005 Political and Constitutional Reform Conference convened by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Oshiomhole further recalled that Ugboaja took part in the 2014 Constitution Review Conference under former President Goodluck Jonathan, describing his involvement in the processes as evidence of his commitment to national development.
The former Edo governor said Ugboaja’s death had created a significant vacuum within the Nigerian labour movement.
“Comrade Ugboaja’s passing leaves a significant void in the labour movement,” Oshiomhole said.
He prayed that Almighty God would grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family, colleagues and members of the Nigerian labour movement the strength to cope with the loss.
