NEWS
Otti, Ajaero, Others Pay Tributes To Late NLC Scribe,
Otti, Ajaero, Others Pay Tributes To Late NLC Scribe,
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, and other labour leaders have paid glowing tributes to the late NLC Secretary-General, Comrade Emmanuel Okechukwu Ugboaja, describing his death as a major loss to the labour movement and the country.
The tributes were made on Friday at a night of tributes organised by the Abia State Government in honour of the late labour leader at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.
Governor Otti, who described Ugboaja’s death at the age of 60 as painful, said his contributions to organised labour and society would remain an enduring legacy.
Channel
He noted that Ugboaja’s emergence as NLC Secretary-General was a significant milestone for Abia, pointing out that he was the first and only indigene of the state to occupy the position among the five individuals who had served in that capacity.
Gov Otti with NLC President, Joe Ajaero
“Out of the five Secretaries-General of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja was the only one from Abia State.
“He was the first NLC Secretary-General from our state, and that is a significant achievement”, the Governor said.
He observed that the true measure of a person’s life was not necessarily the number of years lived but the quality of their contributions and the legacy they left behind.
Governor Otti who expressed confidence that the deceased had fulfilled his earthly assignment, urged the bereaved family to draw comfort from the Christian hope of resurrection rather than grieve without hope.
“From everything we have heard about him today, we have no doubt that Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja finished his race here on earth. There are no mistakes with God.
“We urge the family not to mourn like those without hope. Our prayer is that on the resurrection morning, when the trumpet shall sound, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja will be among those who rise to eternal life”.
The Governor prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and safe journeys for those who attended the event.
In his tribute, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, described Ugboaja as a committed labour leader and a worthy son of the labour movement.
Ajaero, who recalled that their relationship dated back to 1993, said the deceased was a man of conviction who consistently championed workers’ interests and contributed significantly to the growth of organised labour.
He called for the preservation of Ugboaja’s memory and legacy, noting that his death was a sobering reminder of the transient nature of human life.
Also paying tributes, the TUC Secretary, Engr. Festus Osifu; Abia State NLC Chairman, Comrade Okoro Ogbonaya; and other labour stakeholders described the deceased as humble, remarkable, eloquent and a blessing to humanity, the Nkpa community and Abia State.
They said his death was a devastating loss to the labour movement and prayed God to grant his family the strength to bear the loss.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the deceased’s brother, Mr Patrick Ugboaja, described him as a national and international figure who remained deeply connected to his roots.
He said the late labour leader was also a farmer, a devoted family man and a friendly personality who related warmly with people without discrimination.
Mr Ugboaja expressed appreciation to Governor Otti, the Abia State Government and others who stood by the family during their period of grief.
Also, the deceased’s son, Emmanuel Ugboaja Jnr, described his father as a disciplined man who understood the importance of balancing professional commitments with recreation.
He said his father’s emphasis on discipline, focus, hard work and determination had left enduring lessons for him and his younger siblings, while recalling his generosity and commitment to helping others.
Earlier, in a sermon taken from Hebrews 11:5 and tittled, “Before the Translation: What Will Be Your Testimony?”, Very Rev. Dr Emmanuel Chukwuma challenged the congregation to live meaningful lives and leave positive testimonies before their departure from the earth.
The cleric also commended Governor Otti for his developmental efforts in Abia and expressed optimism about the governor’s re-election.
The night of tributes attracted labour leaders from within and outside Nigeria, government officials, family members, friends and associates of the deceased.
Related
