Labour leaders urge journalists to strengthen watchdog role

The Labour Writers Association of Nigeria, in a tribute event for the late Sylvester Enoghase, called on journalists to strengthen their watchdog role by holding governments accountable and defending workers' rights.

Sylvester Enoghase, a veteran labour correspondent who died on June 16 at the age of 60, was celebrated by journalists, labour leaders, and family members for his contributions to labour reporting and advocacy. The tribute event, attended by President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, and representatives of various labour unions, highlighted Enoghase's commitment to promoting workers' welfare and ensuring accountability in governance.

Joe Ajaero, in a tribute, described Enoghase as a professional journalist whose competence and commitment to labour reporting were widely recognised. 'When the news of the passing of our friend and colleague in the struggle, Comrade Sylvester Enoghase, first broke, we dismissed it as a rumour. The rest is now history, and here we are to bid farewell to this fine gentleman,' Ajaero said.

Enoghase's contributions to labour reporting and advocacy were widely acknowledged by labour leaders and journalists who attended the tribute event. His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of holding governments accountable and defending workers' rights. The Labour Writers Association of Nigeria has called on journalists to uphold Enoghase's ideals by maintaining professionalism, strengthening partnerships with social stakeholders, and prioritising public-interest journalism.

'The loss of Comrade Enoghase is a great blow to the labour movement, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of journalists and labour activists,' said Tony Marsha, Deputy Secretary-General of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria. Marsha urged journalists to continue Enoghase's work by keeping the government in check and highlighting the working conditions of the working class.

The tribute event was attended by representatives of various labour unions, including the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, and the Precision, Electrical and Related Equipment Senior Staff Association.

Key Facts

  • Sylvester Enoghase died on June 16 at the age of 60.
  • The Labour Writers Association of Nigeria organised a tribute event in his honour.
  • President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, described Enoghase as a professional journalist whose competence and commitment to labour reporting were widely recognised.
  • Enoghase's legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of holding governments accountable and defending workers' rights.
  • The Labour Writers Association of Nigeria has called on journalists to uphold Enoghase's ideals by maintaining professionalism, strengthening partnerships with social stakeholders, and prioritising public-interest journalism.

The late Sylvester Enoghase will be remembered for his contributions to Labour reporting and advocacy in Nigeria.