Joe Ajaero is a prominent Nigerian journalist and unionist. He is the current National President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), a position he assumed in 2023, succeeding Ayuba Wabba, who served two terms from 2015 to 2023.
Ajaero’s leadership is characterized by his relentless advocacy for workers’ rights and improved working conditions in Nigeria.
Early Life and Education
Born on December 17, 1964 in Emekuku, Owerri North, Imo State, he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1990.
He then pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the Times Journalism Institute in 1994.
Ajaero furthered his education with a Master’s degree in Industrial and Labour Relations from the University of Lagos in 1998. In 2023, he earned a Law degree from Baze University, Abuja.
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His commitment to lifelong learning is evident in the various certifications he obtained, including Advanced Tariff Structuring and Subsidy Design from the International Professional Practice Partnership in Cape Town, South Africa, as well as courses from prestigious institutions such as Cambridge University, Harvard Business School, East and South African Management Institute, and the International Labour Training Institute in Turin, Italy.
Career
Joe Ajaero began his professional career as a research officer at the Nigerian Army’s One Mechanised Infantry Division in Kaduna during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) between 1990 and 1991.
He transitioned to journalism, working as a reporter, correspondent, and assistant news editor at Vanguard Newspapers from 1992 to 2001.
Ajaero’s unionist journey began in 2001 with the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), where he initially served as the Head of Training/Information and later became the National President in 2005.
His tenure at NUEE was marked by his steadfast commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of electricity workers.
In 2023, Ajaero’s career reached a significant milestone when he was elected President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, becoming the first unionist from the power sector to hold this prestigious position.
His leadership has been instrumental in championing the cause of workers across various sectors in Nigeria.
Personal Life
Joe Ajaero is a private individual who keeps his personal life away from the public eye. He is married and has children, but he maintains a clear boundary between his public responsibilities and his family life.
Despite his prominent role in the labour movement and media, Ajaero ensures that his personal affairs remain confidential.
Awards and Nominations
Joe Ajaero’s contributions to journalism and the labour movement have earned him several prestigious awards:
- 2014: CNN African Journalist Award for News Impact
- 2019: Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) for Investigative Journalist of the Year
- 2019: Nigeria Pitch Awards for Football Journalist of the Year (Print)
- 2020: Wole Soyinka Investigative Journalism Award for Investigative Reporter of the Year
- 2022: Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) for Sports Reporter of the Year
- 2022: Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Award for Football Journalist of the Year
- 2023: Nigeria Pitch Awards for Football Journalist of the Year (Print)
Social Media Handle
Twitter: @JoeAjaero94024 (https://twitter.com/JoeAjaero94024)
Controversy
Joe Ajaero has been at the centre of several controversies:
In March 2024, the Labour Party accused him of sponsoring an insurrection at the party’s headquarters using workers’ funds. This accusation led to calls for disciplinary action against him and other union leaders.
Additionally, in November 2023, Ajaero was allegedly abducted and brutalized by the Nigerian police, sparking widespread outrage and calls for a thorough investigation into the incident.
The conflicting accounts from the police and the Imo State Government about his arrest and treatment have further complicated the situation, highlighting the need for reforms in Nigeria’s security agencies.
Net Worth
Joe Ajaero’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million. His wealth is attributed to his extensive career in journalism and his influential role in the Nigerian labour movement.
