ADAD
Updating your news feed...
NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s leading online newspaper. Published by Africa’s international award-winning journalist, Mr. Isaac Umunna, NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s first truly professional online daily newspaper. It is published from Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and media hub, and has a provision for occasional special print editions. Thanks to our vast network of sources and dedicated team of professional journalists and contributors spread across Nigeria and overseas, NEWS EXPRESS has become synonymous with newsbreaks and exclusive stories from around the world.
Late NLC General Secretary Ugboaja
By BONIFACE AKARAH
The Labour Party has expressed deep sadness over the death of the General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, describing him as a committed unionist, democrat and a major supporter of the party.
Ugboaja died recently at the age of 60.
In a condolence message signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa, the Labour Party said his death had created a painful void within both the labour movement and the party.
The party said Ugboaja played a pivotal role in strengthening the relationship between the Labour Party and organised labour, particularly the NLC, and contributed to meetings and deliberations that culminated in the adoption of its new constitution.
“Comrade Ugboaja was a strong unionist, a committed democrat and a pillar of support to the current leadership of the Labour Party. His death leaves a painful void not only in the Labour movement but also in the Labour Party family,” the party said.
According to the statement, Ugboaja had a long history with the Labour Party, dating back to the formation of the Party for Social Democracy (PSD) in 2003, which later became the Labour Party in 2004.
“Comrade Ugboaja was a member of the National Executive Council (NEC) that approved the formation of the Party for Social Democracy (PSD) in 2003, which later metamorphosed into the Labour Party in 2004,” the statement said.
The party added that he subsequently served as Deputy National Secretary of the Labour Party and National Secretary of the NLC Political Commission.
Beyond his activities in the labour movement, the Labour Party recalled Ugboaja’s contributions to democratic development and electoral reform in Nigeria.
It said he participated in the National Constitutional Reform Conferences of 2005 and 2014 and contributed to the final reports of both conferences.
The party also recalled his role as a Director of the Alliance for Credible Elections, where he championed a national campaign for electoral reforms between 2007 and 2010.
“The campaign contributed to the process that culminated in the establishment of the Justice Uwais Electoral Reform Committee by the then President, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua,” the statement said.
The Labour Party described Ugboaja’s life as one dedicated to service, saying his contributions to organised labour, democracy and the Nigerian nation would remain part of the country’s collective history.
“Comrade Ugboaja’s life was therefore one of service to the Labour movement, the democratic cause and the Nigerian nation. His contributions to these causes will remain a part of our collective history and will not be forgotten,” the party stated.
The Labour Party extended its condolences to the leadership and members of the NLC, the organised labour movement, Ugboaja’s colleagues, friends and associates, as well as his immediate family.
It prayed for the repose of his soul and for God to grant his family and the labour movement the strength to bear what it described as an irreparable loss.
