By Joan Nwagwu
Abuja – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday described late Mr Henry Odugala as one, who was committed to building a strong trade union movement with enduring democratic tradition.
Mr Ayuba Wabba, NLC President said this at a Tribute Session in Abuja for the late Odugala.
Odugala, until his death, was the General Secretary of Radio, Television and Theatre Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU).
Odugala died in the early hours of Nov. 4, he was 54 years old.
“Comrade Odugala’s death is a set back to the entire labour movement, as the movement needs the services of young, vibrant, intelligent, active, committed and focus comrade like him.
“Odugala spends nearly all his active life organising against all forms of oppression and exploitations of the Nigerian people.
“Since becoming the General Secretary of RATTAWU, we have benefited from his rich contributions to discussions on critical issues at both Central Working Committee and the National Executive Council meeting of NLC.’’
Wabba said that he would be missed by the entire labour movement as his towering intellectual presence, organisational disciple and ideological clarity had been tremendous.
“We will continue to pray that God will grant him eternal mercy and also to give his family the fortitude to bear his absence.
Similarly, Mr Yemisi Bamgboshe, RATTAWU President, expressed sadness on the sudden departure of Odugala.
Bamgboshe said that the union loss could not be quantified as he was the engine room of RATTAWU.
Mr Garuba Shehu, General Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) described the late Odugala as a major contributor to improve condition of service for media workers in the country.
“It was because of his agitations that a lot of journalists both at Federal and state levels enjoyed the previous media package that was fought for.
“It is unfortunate that he died when we need him most as the struggle for better media salary is still on. May God comfort his family, ‘’he said.
Mr Nnamdi Njamaeze, Executive Secretary, Press Council said the RATTAWU general secretary’s death was a blow to the sector.
“It is a sober moment for everyone, he died at a time when his services were needed more, so it is a difficult time for all of us, ‘’he said.
Njamaeze said late Odugala was a man of integrity and would stop at nothing to fight for the oppressed.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that late Odugala will be laid to rest in his home town in Oleh, Isoko North Local Government in Delta on Nov. 25.
