Top government officials, state governors, and leaders of organised labour joined human rights activists to pay glowing tribute to the late Pa Michael Imoudu, celebrating his pivotal role in fighting for the Nigerian working class. The event marked the 20th anniversary of the passing of the man widely hailed as Nigeria's foremost labour leader.
A Legacy of Struggle and Sacrifice
Speakers at the commemoration honoured Imoudu for his lasting legacy built on struggle, personal sacrifice, and a firm belief in the organised working class. They framed his activism as a comprehensive leftist practice that identified economic exploitation and political oppression as two sides of the same coin, stemming from capitalist and colonial systems.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, called on Nigerians to ensure the sacrifices made by Pa Imoudu and other labour heroes were not wasted. He described the gathering as more than a remembrance, calling it a reaffirmation of core ideals.
"Pa Imoudu understood that the dignity of labour is inseparable from the dignity of the nation," Tinubu stated. He praised Imoudu as the conscience of the working class, a fearless voice for the oppressed, and a patriot whose efforts laid a solid foundation for the country's labour movement.
Labour Movement's Role in Democracy
The President acknowledged the crucial role played by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the wider trade union movement in sustaining democracy, promoting industrial peace, and defending workers' rights. He said the event strengthened the historic link between organised labour and Nigeria's journey as a nation.
Under his Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu reiterated his administration's commitment to:
- Promoting decent work and fair labour practices.
- Expanding social protection schemes.
- Driving job creation and skills development.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, characterised Imoudu's life as a masterclass in class consciousness and proletarian internationalism. He emphasised that Imoudu's battles were not just about economic gains but were a form of political resistance against colonial exploitation.
Call for a New Generation of Labour Champions
Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, reminded the audience that the detention of labour leaders has roots in the colonial era, citing Imoudu's imprisonment and the landmark 1945 general strike that followed. "Pa Imoudu did all this without any intention of enriching himself. He could not even build a house or buy a car, despite his dealings with governments and captains of industry," Falana noted.
In a solidarity message, the Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Issa Aremu, recalled how the institute was renamed in Imoudu's honour in 1992. He urged the Federal Government to revive the railway sector to generate employment and cultivate future labour leaders. He also called for stronger results in the upcoming minimum wage negotiations.
Activist Femi Aborisade stressed that for Imoudu, trade unionism was a mission, not a career. He challenged today's labour movement to produce "the Imoudus of our time" to transform society in favour of workers and the impoverished.
The collective tributes painted a picture of a leader whose principles of selflessness and unwavering commitment to justice continue to inspire workers, unionists, and policymakers across Nigeria two decades after his death.
