Edo NLC Honours Ugobaja, Urges Workers To Emulate His Legacy
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State Council, has honoured the memory of its late General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Okechukwu Ugobaja, celebrating his remarkable contributions and sacrifices towards the growth and development of the labour movement in Nigeria.
The tribute was led by the Chairman of the NLC Edo State Council Caretaker Committee, Comrade Monday Igbafen, at a special gathering organised in honour of the departed labour leader, with labour leaders, members and other stakeholders in attendance.
Prof. Igbafen described the occasion as an opportunity to celebrate Ugobaja’s life, leadership and enduring legacy, while also remembering other fallen comrades who sacrificed their lives in the service of the labour movement.
He said the gathering was organised to recognise the contributions of Ugobaja and other departed labour leaders whose dedication, courage and commitment helped strengthen the Congress over the years.
According to him, remembrance activities were also taking place simultaneously in Lagos and Abuja, underscoring the collective determination of the Congress to honour its departed heroes.
The NLC caretaker committee chairman urged members to reflect on the ideals and legacies of their departed leaders, stressing the need for unity, solidarity and renewed commitment to building a stronger and more vibrant trade union movement.
He disclosed that the Edo State Council had made adequate preparations for the programme, including the presentation of special tributes in honour of the late Ugobaja.
Igbafen called on comrades to participate actively in the activities lined up for the occasion, noting that their involvement would demonstrate the enduring spirit of solidarity that defines the labour movement.
He also urged members to sustain the legacies of the departed labour leaders by remaining committed to the struggle for workers’ rights, improved welfare and social justice.
He expressed optimism that the tributes, songs and goodwill messages at the gathering would provide comfort to members while keeping alive the memory and contributions of the late Ugobaja.
Speaking at the event, Comrade Bashir Kadiri, a former Permanent Secretary in the Edo State Ministry of Agriculture, urged organised labour to use the occasion to reflect on its unity, responsibilities and commitment to the emancipation of Nigerian workers.
Kadiri described the late Ugobaja as a humble, courageous and principled leader whose dedication to justice and the protection of workers’ rights left an enduring mark on the labour movement.
He charged labour leaders to sustain Ugobaja’s legacy through unity, selflessness and collective action, emphasising that freedom and meaningful change could only be achieved through deliberate struggle rather than expectations from those in positions of authority.
He further challenged the Congress to undertake an honest assessment of its achievements and shortcomings and renew its determination to defend the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers.
Also speaking, Comrade Jude Obasanmi described the late NLC General Secretary as a true labour leader who made significant contributions to the growth of the labour movement in the country.
Obasanmi urged members of the Congress to build on the foundation laid by Ugboaja and ensure that his ideals, sacrifices and commitment to the welfare of workers continued to inspire future generations of labour leaders.
