By Danjuma Amodu
The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation has announced the death of Dr Chika Christiana Chimezie-Ukachukwu, Chairman of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation Unit, and Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), FCT Council, who passed away on Saturday evening.
The announcement was contained in a circular issued on behalf of the Management of the Ministry by I.P Davwet, Deputy Director, Training and Staff Welfare (TSW).
Late Dr (Dame) Chika Christiana Chimezie-Ukachukwu, Chairman of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation Unit.
“On behalf of the Management of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, I am directed to announce to the entire staff of the Ministry the death of Dr. Chika Christiana Chimezie-Ukachukwu (Union Chair of ASCSN) who passed away yesterday evening. May her soul rest in peace with the Lord Amen,” the circular stated.
The National President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Comrade Shehu Mohammed, in company of the TUC General Secretary, Comrade Nuhu A. Toro, PhD, Mni, during a condolence visit to the family of late Dr Chika Ukachukwu in Abuja
The national leadership of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) paid a condolence visit to the bereaved family. The delegation was led by the National President, Comrade Shehu Mohammed, in company of the General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Nuhu A. Toro, PhD, Mni, to her residence where they were received by her husband, Chief Ukachukwu Chimezie.
In his condolence message, Comrade Shehu Mohammed prayed for the repose of her soul and stated that the Association has lost a great asset whose dedication and commitment contributed immensely to the success of the union.
The TUC General Secretary, Comrade Nuhu A. Toro, also spoke glowingly of her qualities as a trusted ally and a woman with a strong desire for the progress of unionism in the country. He prayed for the repose of her soul and for sustenance and strength for the family she left behind.
Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, also described the passing of the Labour leader with “deep sadness and profound grief,” describing her as a valued friend and loyal ally of the Council.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and the entire labour movement, and pray that Almighty God grants them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May her soul rest in perfect peace,” the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat stated.
Solemn Tribute From ASCSN Leadership
In a solemn tribute, the National President of ASCSN, Comrade Shehu Mohammed, described the late labour leader as a dedicated comrade, a mother to many, and a pillar of strength in the union movement.
He said: “We have lost a quintessential leader, a fearless advocate and a compassionate mother. Comrade Dr Dame Chika Ukachukwu served the Association with uncommon commitment, integrity and selflessness. Her death is not just a loss to ASCSN and the TUC, but to the entire labour movement in Nigeria.
“She stood for justice, for inclusiveness and for the welfare of workers. She led with courage and lived with kindness. At this painful moment, we extend our deepest condolences to her husband, children, the ASCSN family, the FCT TUC and the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation. May Almighty God grant her eternal rest and give us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
Colleagues, Ministry Staff Mourn
The sudden death has triggered an outpouring of grief from colleagues and staff of the Ministry.
Comrade Alex Umoru, Vice Chairman of ASCSN, Federal Information Chapel, in an emotional tribute titled “An Ode To A Quintessential Woman, Leader And A Mother,” said:
“Mama, you took me more than a brother and a VC. You took my children as your own. You took my wife as a sister. At every instance in my good or bad situation, Mama you stood gallantly with me. Little did I know our chat and calls between 9am-12noon that ill-fated day was the last time we shared thoughts, strategies, jokes, laughter, ideas and encouragement together. Tears have not ceased dropping from my eyes and the pain is huge and unbearable. Your voice still echoes in my ears. Mama, your teaching, guidance and advice will forever remain with me. May God almighty grant you eternal rest in his bosom. Adieu Mama.”
Samson Ikemitang, a colleague, wrote: “When I received a call from one of our friends yesterday at about 6:30 pm that you slumped and was rushed to the hospital only for you to be confirmed dead by a doctor few hours afterwards, I told her without hesitation that she should stop such an expensive joke. Just three days ago, I was in your office in the company of Alex, your vice and the treasurer. You ordered food from the vendor for me to eat… Little did I know that I was having my last supper with you like Jesus had with His disciples.”
Another colleague, Gilbert Eegbara, said: “This is so heartbreaking. I had the privilege of encountering this wonderful woman once or twice, and she truly exemplified motherhood, kindness, discipline, and exceptional leadership. She was indeed one of a kind.”
A staff member living with disability, writing under the name Angel Plus, recalled her inclusive leadership: “You were the first ASCSN Chairman who celebrated, honored and identified with Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Information Ministry. Your compassionate and generous heart will never go unrewarded.”
Burial Arrangements
Meanwhile, the family has announced the burial arrangements for the late labour leader.
According to the programme of events, a Service of Songs will hold at St Andrews Anglican Church, Kubwa, Abuja, at 4:00 pm on Monday, November 2, 2026.
The main burial will take place at Ukachukwu House, Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area, Anambra State, on Saturday, November 28, 2026.
