By Uzo Ugwunze
Nigeria Workers in Anambra State led by Comrade Humphrey Emeka Nwafor KSJI yesterday had a solemn assembly day of tributes on life, times and legacies of Late Comrade Emmanuel Okechukwu Ugboaja,Esq,mni, former General Secretary, Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC),with a charge on the living to emulate him on welfare of the downtrodden.
The workers through their affiliate unions in Nigeria Labour Congress,NLC, Anambra State Council affirmed that 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 lived a purposeful life worthy of emulation by all lovers of goodwill, justice and peace.
The theme of the solemn assembly day of tributes is ” Honouring a life of service, commitment and unwavering dedication to the Labour Movement’.
Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC. Anambra State Council, Comrade Humphrey Emeka Nwafor KSJI announced the burial date as Saturday 14th November, 2026 in Abia state.
He eulogized Late Ugboaja for being attentive to details to the challenges and problems of workers across the nation. He said he takes workers problems as personal problems, urging other labour leaders to learn something from the Late Ugboaja.
Solidarity songs, fraternal messages, commemorative songs in honour of the dead were sung by the Labour leaders who observed a moment of silence in the honour of late Ugboaja, a lawyer.
Representative of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Comrade Anaghalu Ikenna described Late Ugboaja as dogged in union affairs with unforgettable footprints that must be emulated. He explained how he encountered his doggedness during the industrial face off at NAUTH with just a phone call.
For the Special Guest of Honour,former Anambra State Head of Service, HoS, Dame Theodora Igwegbe, mni, insisted that Late Super Comrade Ugboaja lived a fulfilled life ,even though he died at 60 years of age.
Dame Igwegbe,a lawyer and coursemate of Late Ugboaja at Kuru, Plateau State, informed further that they respected Late Ugboaja during their Senior Executive Course course as members of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies ( NIPSS).
She noted that what was important was legacies while alive as at death, nobody easily forgets the good deeds one did while alive.
For former NLC Leaders in Anambra State including Comrade Anthony Ugozor, Comrade Charles Onyeagba and Comrade Jerry Nnubia, Late Ugboaja was outstanding in all ramifications, an iroko from the south east in labour maters, insisting that he lived a life of harmony, seeking always welfare of others.
They said Late Ugboaja speaks with convincing spirit and capacity, asking God to console the family and NLC for the irreparable loss.
They agreed that the late Ugboaja was labour friendly, erudite and outspoken when it’s about labour issues.
On her part, the Head of Service, HoS , Anambra State, 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 South East died in active service. She prayed to God to give the family and Nigerian workers the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Vice-Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Barr. Ifeanyi Nweke-Nzelue anchored the programme while Comrade Maureen-Stone Enujioke presented the citation of Late Ugboaja.
Barr. Mrs. Nkechi Gozie Nwosu , the Industrial Relations Officer, Office of the Head of Service among others attended the event.