NLC is deeply saddened by the sudden death of Comrade Henry Odugala, General Secretary of the Radio Television and Theatre Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU).
The Nigeria Labour Congress [NLC] is deeply saddened by the sudden death of Comrade Henry Odugala, General Secretary of the Radio Television and Theatre Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU).
He was a cerebral unionist with deep convictions and capacity for spontaneity which he deployed with flourish at public fora.
His presentation skills and carriage were inimitable.
Odugala did not trust the system, no matter how benevolent, and accordingly called for eternal vigilance of progressive forces.
He was equally a strong believer in the culture of internal governance in unions as a panacea to corruption and dictatorship.
His humility was unmistakable as he cultivated both the young and the old, the high and the mighty, often with an outstretched hand and a smile.
Even before becoming General Secretary of, arguably one of our most vocal unions, Odugala had earned his stripes as a committed progressive in both Student Union Movement Civil Society and political organizations, especially NADECO, on the basis of which he was a regular guest of the State.
On Odugala’s broad shoulders and measured steps rested rebellion of a kind.
Perhaps, one of his greatest attributes was his flair for combining humour with serious work and for moulding something out of the mischievous and the sublime.
Odugala’s death is a blow not only to his union or the Nigeria Labour Congress but the entire Labour Movement.
He shall sorely be missed by us all.
We have lost a star.
Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson
