The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has expressed profound sorrow over the death of Domingo-Michael Adeleke, a delegate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who died while attending the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
The global labour body described Adeleke’s death as a significant loss to both the Nigerian labour movement and the ongoing conference, commending his unwavering commitment to advancing workers’ rights and promoting decent work.
The ILO conveyed its condolences in a letter addressed to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, a copy of which was made available to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja.
The condolence letter was signed by the Director-General of the ILO, Gilbert Houngbo, who extended the organisation’s sympathies to the NLC, Adeleke’s family, and colleagues across the labour movement.
“I would like to convey my heartfelt condolences to the Nigeria Labour Congress on the demise of the late Domingo-Michael Adeleke,” Houngbo said.
According to Houngbo, Adeleke devoted much of his career to public service, the advancement of workers’ interests, and the defence of workers’ rights in Nigeria.
“Domingo-Michael Adeleke was a committed trade unionist whose dedication to Nigerian workers and to the struggle for decent work brought him to the global stage right to the end,” he stated.
Houngbo noted that Adeleke’s passing had created a significant void within the labour movement, particularly among members of the NLC and delegates attending the 114th International Labour Conference.
“His loss is felt deeply by all who knew him and worked alongside him, and in particular by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the trade union movement in Nigeria,” he said.
He also acknowledged Adeleke’s contributions to advancing the values and objectives of the ILO and the wider global labour movement.
“I would like to express my appreciation, and that of my colleagues in Geneva and across the world, for his dedication to the labour movement,” Houngbo added.
The ILO Director-General concluded by extending the organisation’s deepest condolences to the NLC during what he described as a period of profound sorrow.
“Please accept our deepest condolences at this time of sorrow,” Houngbo said in the letter addressed to the NLC President.
