The National President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Mr. Akeem Ambali, has emphasized the importance of preserving the union’s legacy to strengthen the knowledge of future generations.
Speaking during the official commissioning of the NULGE national secretariat complex, NULAS House, at Idi Orogbo, New Adeoyo Road, Ring Road, Ibadan, Ambali stressed that honoring the struggles and victories of NULGE’s founding fathers is crucial for grassroots development across Nigeria.
“NULGE started nationwide in Ibadan, and it was then called the Nigeria Local Government Staff (NULAS). Commissioning this edifice today contributes to history and educates the younger generation about our past struggles and victories. Today will not be forgotten in the history of the union, both in Oyo State and across the country,” he said.
Ambali, who also serves as the National Treasurer of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), noted that the new secretariat would serve as a historical landmark for the union.
Former NULGE and NLC state president, Dr. Basir Olanrewaju, highlighted the significance of NULAS House, stating that it would serve as both a museum of local government history and a guest house for past and current union leaders.
“The secretariat shall serve as a museum where historical records will be preserved. If history is not kept, the future is at risk, and past mistakes become inevitable. We appreciate the Oyo State NULGE leadership for this initiative,” he said.
The Oyo State NULGE President, Mr. Adeogun Abayomi, acknowledged the union’s deep-rooted history and commended the national body for its support. He also expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s administration for implementing local government autonomy, emphasizing its role in strengthening democracy at the grassroots level.
“We appreciate the present administration for making local government autonomy a reality, as outlined in the 1999 Constitution. This move will ensure the dividends of democracy reach the grassroots,” he said.
Adeogun further assured that the newly commissioned 16-room secretariat would remain accessible to all NULGE members and serve as a revenue source for the union.
