By Uzo Ugwunze—
Nigerian workers in Anambra State, led by Comrade Humphrey Emeka Nwafor, KSJI, yesterday held a solemn day of tributes on the life, times and legacy of the late Comrade Emmanuel Okechukwu Ugboaja, Esq., mni, former General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), with a charge to the living to emulate him in his concern for the welfare of the downtrodden.
The workers, through their affiliate unions in the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Anambra State Council, affirmed that the late Comrade Ugboaja lived for the workers and the downtrodden.
They described him as an achiever despite the short time he lived, adding that he had lived a purposeful life worthy of emulation by all lovers of goodwill, justice and peace.
The theme of the solemn day of tributes was ‘Honouring a life of service, commitment and unwavering dedication to the Labour Movement’.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Anambra State Council, Comrade Humphrey Emeka Nwafor, KSJI, announced the burial date as Saturday, 14 November 2026, in Abia State.
He eulogised the late Ugboaja for being attentive to the details of workers’ challenges and problems across the nation. He said he took workers’ problems as his personal problems, urging other labour leaders to learn from the late Ugboaja.
Solidarity songs, fraternal messages and commemorative songs in honour of the deceased were sung by the Labour leaders, who observed a moment of silence in honour of the late Ugboaja, a lawyer.
The representative of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Anaghalu Ikenna, described the late Ugboaja as dogged in union affairs, with unforgettable footprints that must be emulated. He explained how he had encountered his doggedness during the industrial face-off at NAUTH with just a phone call.
The Special Guest of Honour, former Anambra State Head of Service (HoS), Dame Theodora Igwegbe, mni, insisted that the late Super Comrade Ugboaja had lived a fulfilled life, even though he died at the age of 60.
Dame Igwegbe, a lawyer and course mate of the late Ugboaja at Kuru, Plateau State, further recalled that they had respected the late Ugboaja during their Senior Executive Course as members of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
She noted that what mattered was the legacy one left behind; at death, nobody easily forgets the good deeds one did while alive.
Former NLC leaders in Anambra State, including Comrade Anthony Ugozor, Comrade Charles Onyeagba and Comrade Jerry Nnubia, said that the late Ugboaja was outstanding in all ramifications, describing him as an iroko from the South-East in labour matters, and insisted that he lived a life of harmony, always seeking the welfare of others.
They said the late Ugboaja spoke with a convincing spirit and capacity, and asked God to console the family and the NLC for the irreparable loss.
They agreed that the late Ugboaja was labour-friendly, erudite and outspoken when it came to labour issues.
On her part, the Anambra State Head of Service (HoS), Barr. Anuli Iwuno, represented by Dr Ifeoma Agbaizu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, and Supervisory Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, lamented that such an outstanding and distinguished labour union leader from the South-East had died in active service. She prayed to God to give the family and Nigerian workers the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Barr. Ifeanyi Nweke-Nzelue, anchored the programme, while Comrade Maureen-Stone Enujioke presented the citation of the late Ugboaja.
Barr. Mrs Nkechi Gozie Nwosu, the Industrial Relations Officer, Office of the Head of Service, was among those who attended the event.
