Deputy Speaker, Kalu Pays Condolence Visit to Family of Late NLC Secretary, Describes Ugboaja as Irreplaceable

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has described the late General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, as an irreplaceable figure whose death has created a significant vacuum in the labour movement and the political landscape of Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State.

Kalu made the remarks on Thursday during a condolence visit to the family of the deceased at Amaohoro Nkpa, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, where he expressed sadness over the passing of the prominent labour leader.

The Deputy Speaker, who was received by members of Ugboaja’s immediate family, children, brothers and community leaders, said the late NLC General Secretary was a rare personality whose contributions and professional accomplishments would be difficult to replicate.

Describing Ugboaja’s emergence and achievements as a source of pride to Bende, Kalu said the community had been fortunate to produce an individual who attained such prominence in the country’s labour movement.

“Ugboaja is irreplaceable. It will be difficult to replace the man. Bende may not get this position again. Bende was blessed to have somebody like him,” he said.

Kalu further described the deceased as a distinguished ambassador of Bende, Abia State, the Igbo nation and Nigeria, noting that his wealth of knowledge, professional experience and commitment to workers’ welfare made his death a significant national loss.

According to him, Ugboaja was a resourceful individual who had acquired extensive knowledge and diverse experience throughout his career, adding that his contributions extended beyond his immediate community and the labour movement.

“He was a true ambassador of Bende, of Abia, Ndi Igbo. It is painful. He was very resourceful. He had acquired a lot of knowledge and diverse experience. He was our pride. It is not only a loss to Ndi Igbo but to the country,” the Deputy Speaker stated.

Although they belonged to different political persuasions, Kalu said Ugboaja’s understanding of labour issues, activism and workers’ struggles earned him respect across political divides.

He also noted that the late labour leader possessed the experience and knowledge required to serve at the highest levels of public administration, including as Minister of Labour.

The Deputy Speaker, who represents Bende Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, offered prayers for the bereaved family, urging them to find strength and comfort in God during the difficult period.

He prayed particularly for Ugboaja’s wife, children, brothers and the entire Amaohoro Nkpa community, asking God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

Kalu also encouraged the family to remain hopeful despite the painful circumstances, expressing confidence that more opportunities and doors would open for them in the future.

As part of his commitment to honouring the deceased, the Deputy Speaker pledged to adjust his official engagements and itinerary to enable him to attend Ugboaja’s burial and pay his final respects.

He also offered assistance to the family in areas where support might be required during the burial arrangements, while praying for the peaceful repose of the late NLC General Secretary’s soul.

The condolence visit underscored the widespread significance of Ugboaja’s contributions to organised labour and the loss his passing represents to his family, community, Abia State and Nigeria.