Abuja, September 2, 2026. – The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Miriam Morales Palmero, visited the National Headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja on Tuesday to sign the Book of Condolences opened following the passing of Comrade Emmanuel Okechukwu Ugboaja, Secretary General of the organization.
The distinguished Nigerian trade union leader passed away on August 27 after courageously battling a serious illness for more than four years. His passing represents a profound loss to the Nigerian labour movement and to all those who shared with him the commitment to defending the rights of workers and the just causes of the peoples of the world.
During the signing of the Book of Condolences, the Cuban Ambassador conveyed, on behalf of the Government and people of Cuba, the deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, as well as to all members of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
In its message, the Cuban representation highlighted that Emmanuel Ugboaja, affectionately known as “Emma,” always embodied the bonds of brotherhood and solidarity between Cuba and the Nigerian labour movement.
“Emma was an outstanding trade union leader, a tireless defender of workers' rights and a reliable pillar of the Congress. His commitment and selfless service to the Nigerian working class and to the just causes of the world will remain forever engraved in the history of Nigeria and Cuba,” the message stated.
The Embassy of Cuba also recalled the late trade union leader's firm commitment to international solidarity and his enduring friendship with the Cuban people. Emmanuel Ugboaja was a consistent defender of Cuba's cause and of the struggle for the lifting of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the Government of the United States against Cuba.
His solidarity, commitment and support for the Cuban cause contributed to strengthening the historic bonds of friendship between the Nigerian and Cuban labour movements, founded on shared principles of solidarity, social justice and the defence of peoples.
While paying tribute to his memory, Ambassador Miriam Morales Palmero recalled the words of Cuba's National Hero, José Martí: “Death is not true when the work of life has been well accomplished.”
The life and legacy of Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja will remain a testament to his commitment to workers, social justice and the noble causes he defended throughout his life.
(Embassy of Cuba to Nigeria)