By JOAN NWAGWU

The International Labour Organisation (ILO), has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Mr Domingo Adeleke, a delegate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva.

Adeleke died in Geneva, while attending the 114th conference held by ILO.

The ILO conveyed its condolences in a letter addressed to Mr Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, following Adeleke’s death.

The condolence letter was signed by Mr Gilbert Houngbo, Director-General of the ILO and made available to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja.

Houngbo described Adeleke as a committed trade unionist whose dedication to Nigerian workers and the struggle for decent work remained evident until his passing.

“I should like to convey my heartfelt condolences to the Nigeria Labour Congress on the demise of the late Domingo-Michael Adeleke,” he said.

According to him, Adeleke devoted much of his career to public service, the advancement of workers’ interests and the defence of workers’ rights in Nigeria.

“Mr Adeleke was a committed trade unionist whose dedication to Nigerian workers and to the struggle for decent work brought him to the global stage right to the end,” Houngbo said.

The ILO Director-General noted that Adeleke’s death was a significant loss to the Nigerian labour movement and delegates participating in the ongoing labour conference.

“His loss is felt deeply by all who knew him and worked alongside him, and in particular by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the trade union movement in Nigeria,” he said.

Houngbo also acknowledged Adeleke’s contributions to the values and objectives of the ILO and the broader global labour movement.

“I should like to express my appreciation and that of my colleagues in Geneva and across the world, for his dedication to the labour movement,” he said.

He assured the NLC leadership of the solidarity of the ILO during the period of mourning and extended condolences to Adeleke’s family, colleagues and associates.

“Please accept our deepest condolences at this time of sorrow,” Houngbo said in the letter addressed to the NLC president. (NAN)