President Bola Tinubu has congratulated a renowned labour leader, veteran trade unionist and former President of the Nigeria Labour (NLC), Alhaji Hassan Adebayo on his 85th birthday on January 7, 2026.
The President, in a statement issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlighted Alhaji Sunmonu’s immense contributions to nation-building and commended his commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers.
Alhaji Sunmonu has been involved in the labour movement and in the agitation for improvements in workers’ welfare for decades.
He was president of the Nigerian Labour Congress from 1978 to 1984 and was also formerly General Secretary of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity.
According to Tinubu: “One cannot help but notice Alhaji Sunmonu’s outstanding pioneering leadership within the labour force and commitment to the well-being of workers.
“His emergence at the pinnacle of the labour movement is instructive. It’s on record that, before NLC’s formation in 1978, the Obasanjo government had disbanded four national labour unions, including the moderate United Labour Congress, led by Haroun Adebola, and the more radical Nigeria Trade Union Congress.
“As labour leader, Sunmonu’s NLC presented a Charter of Demands that, among other things, eventually led to the institutionalisation of a national minimum wage and minimum pension scheme.”
The President thanked Alhaji Sunmonu for his passion for workers’ welfare and wished him continued good health and renewed strength.
Deji Elumoye
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