Organised labour pays tribute to former NLC president Chiroma

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), have paid tribute to the former NLC president, Ali Chiroma, who died recently at 91.

The current president of the NLC, Joe Ajaero stated: “He has left a void in the annals of the labour movement that will be deeply felt for generations to come.

“Beyond his role as a labour leader, Chiroma was a symbol of integrity, courage and compassion. His selfless service to humanity and unwavering commitment to the ideals of justice and equality have left an indelible mark on our collective conscience."

President of TUC, Festus Osifo, added: “He supported other mass organisations such as the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), which had to organise a national strike against the regime.

"The loss of Comrade Chiroma is deeply felt not only by his immediate family but also by the wider labour community in Nigeria and beyond.

“His leadership during the resistance against the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) under General Babangida’s administration showcased his resilience in the face of adversity.

“Comrade Chiroma led from the front and refused to shy away from speaking truth to power. He made a lot of sacrifices for the progress, unity, and solidarity of the labour movement from his mother union, the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, where he rose to the pinnacle of his career. I am privileged to drink from the fountain of wisdom of a great iroko."