Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, and the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, have led tributes to the late NLC Secretary-General, Comrade Emmanuel Okechukwu Ugboaja, describing his death at 60 as a painful loss to the labour movement, Abia State and the country.
The tributes were delivered on Friday, November 13, 2026, during a night of tributes organised by the Abia State Government at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, to celebrate the life and contributions of the late labour leader.
Governor Otti described Ugboaja’s emergence as the first and only NLC Secretary-General from Abia State among the five individuals who had occupied the position as a remarkable achievement for the state.
“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,” Gov. Otti stated.
The governor said the true measure of a person’s life was not necessarily the number of years lived but the quality of their impact and the legacies they left behind.
Expressing confidence that the deceased had fulfilled his earthly assignment, Otti urged the bereaved family to draw strength 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 will rise to eternal life.” The Governor said.
Otti also prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and journey mercies for those who attended the ceremony.
In his tribute, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, described Ugboaja as a committed labour leader and a worthy son of the organised labour movement.
Ajaero recalled that their relationship dated back to 1993, when both men were active in their respective professional and trade union circles.
He said the late Ugboaja was a man of conviction who consistently defended workers’ interests and made significant contributions to the growth of organised labour.
The NLC president also called for the preservation of the deceased’s memory and legacy, noting that his passing was a reminder of the transient nature of human life.
Other labour leaders, including TUC Secretary, Engr. Festus Osifu, and Abia State NLC Chairman, Comrade Okoro Ogbonaya, joined workers and labour stakeholders in mourning the late unionist.
In their goodwill messages, they described Ugboaja as humble, remarkable, eloquent and a blessing to humanity, the Nkpa community and Abia State. They also expressed sadness over his death, describing it as a devastating loss to the labour movement, and prayed for God’s strength and comfort for his family.
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 recalled that beyond his public service and labour leadership, Ugboaja was a farmer, devoted family man and friendly personality who related warmly with people without discrimination.
Patrick expressed the family’s appreciation to Governor Otti, the Abia State Government and everyone who supported them during their period of grief.
Also paying tribute, the deceased’s son, Emmanuel Ugboaja Jnr., described his father as a disciplined man who understood the importance of balancing professional responsibilities 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 based on Hebrews 11:5 and themed, “Before the Translation: What Will Be Your Testimony?”, Very Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma challenged the congregation to live meaningful lives that would leave positive testimonies before their departure from the earth.
The cleric also commended Governor Otti for his developmental efforts in Abia State and expressed optimism about his re-election for a second term.
The night of tributes attracted labour leaders from within and outside Nigeria, government officials, family members, friends and associates, who gathered to honour the life and legacy of the late Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja.
