Former Nigeria Labour Congress President and current Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole delivered a passionate charge to the union’s leadership during a weekend visit to the Labour House in Abuja.
The former Edo State governor met with NLC President Joe Ajaero, senior officials, and secretariat staff, encouraging them to stand firm in defending workers’ rights despite mounting pressures.
“Remain fearless in defending Nigerian workers and the masses, no matter the intimidation,” Oshiomhole told the NLC leadership. Describing his visit as “a return to my roots,” he exchanged warm greetings with long-serving staff members before addressing the challenges facing the labor movement.
Oshiomhole commended Ajaero’s leadership for upholding the NLC’s founding principles and urged the team to stay “fearless, faithful, and focused” in their mission.
He issued a stark warning based on his own experiences: “Besides the attacks, harassment, and even persecution in the course of your job as NLC President, your personal liberty and security will also be targeted. I experienced several of these, if not worse, during my tenure.”
The former labor leader emphasized that resilience would ultimately prevail, stating: “As long as you remain fearless, focused, and committed to the cause of Nigerian workers and the masses without compromise, you will always triumph over the forces of evil that seek to weaken and undermine the NLC and your leadership.”
He specifically advised Ajaero to ignore distractions from “outside forces” attempting to derail the union’s advocacy.
In his response, Ajaero expressed gratitude for Oshiomhole’s visit and ongoing support for workers’ rights in the Senate. He assured the former NLC president that current leadership remains dedicated to building upon his legacy.
“We are committed to defending the rights of Nigerian workers and the masses,” Ajaero stated, describing Oshiomhole as one of the NLC’s most impactful leaders.
The NLC president pledged to sustain and surpass Oshiomhole’s achievements while requesting his continued guidance.