The chairmen of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Ika South and Ika North-East Local Government Areas of Delta State, Comrades Emmanuel Nwanma and Nnamdi Memeh, have died in a fatal road accident.
The crash, which occurred on Monday, July 21, 2026, has thrown the Ika nation, local government workers and the labour movement in Delta State into mourning.
The cause of the accident has yet to be determined, with details surrounding the incident still unclear.
Reacting to the tragedy, the Chairman of Ika North-East Local Government Area, Hon. Hunkamma Monday Odigwe, described the death of Comrade Memeh as a huge loss to the council and the local government workforce.
In a condolence message, Odigwe recalled meeting a labour leader whose guiding principle was “The Workers First” when he assumed office two years ago.
“I am deeply pained by his passing because we had built a strong working relationship that would have been of immense benefit to all,” he said.
He also prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased union leaders.
Similarly, the Chairman of Ika South Local Government Area, Jerry Ehiwarior, expressed deep sorrow over the death of Comrade Emmanuel Nwanma.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Jonathan Onwuka, Ehiwarior described the late NULGE chairman as a dedicated labour leader whose commitment to workers’ welfare and industrial harmony earned him widespread respect.
He said Nwanma was a calm, dependable and selfless leader who consistently placed the interests of workers above personal considerations while promoting peace, dialogue and understanding.
“His passing has created a painful void that will not be easily filled. The council has lost a dependable partner, the workforce has lost a courageous representative, and our local government has lost a man whose contributions will continue to be remembered for years to come,” the statement said.
Ehiwarior extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, the leadership and members of NULGE, staff of the Ika South Local Government Council, friends and associates.
He prayed that God would grant the departed eternal rest and comfort everyone grieving their loss.
