Ugboaja assumes duties as NLC Scribe

New General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Emmanuel Ugboaja, has assumed duties following the retirement of Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, who bowed out of Congress after attaining 70 years.

Speaking at the handover event where Ugboaja took over from Ozo-Eson, President of the NLC), Ayuba Wabba, thanked Ozo-Eson for his services to the labour movement.

Hinting the possibility of him serving the Congress in other capacities, Wabba described the retiring scribe as ‘retiring, but not tired’.

He stressed that the immediate past General Secretary will continue to be part of the labour family, who would be relied upon for guidance, as well as work for the betterment of the Nigerian workers.

Ayuba also noted that Ozo-Eson had stabilised the Congress, as well as achieving his mandate, by working out his successor.

“The out-going General Secretary is only retiring but certainly not tired. He will continue to be a part of the family, and he will continue to guide us and work for the Nigerian workers.

“So on behalf of NLC secretariat, let me present the appreciation of all the working men and women of Nigeria to you for the meritorious service you offered to Nigerian workers.

“Importantly, the history of NLC would not be complete without having a space to accommodate some of the issues and challenges we passed through within the period you were with us, and how you were able to stabilize the system.

“And part of your mandate was to work out a successor. I am extremely delighted that that has happened. The joy of every leader is actually to see that what he or she nurtured grows and prosper.

I am certain that wherever you will be, you are still a part of us and will continue to advice and make impute to the success of the NLC,” he said.

Also, the Chairman of the staff union, James Eustace; Deputy General Secretary of Congress, Chris Uyot; Head, Media, Benson Upah, as well as Head, International Department, Uche Ekwe, commended the immediate-past General Secretary for a smooth working relationship while in Congress.

Speakers at the occasion described the outgoing General Secretary as a blessing to the Congress, saying that his wealth of experience would be missed greatly.

In his response, Ozo-Eson commended the leadership of the Congress for the support accorded him, while in the movement.

He also urged all staff of the Congress to extend the same support accorded him to the new General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja.

The former scribe described labour movement as a unique work place that is not common and where comrades must disagree on principles but in the end work together for the over all interest of the movement.