Meet Joe Ajaero, a figure whose life story weaves through various domains, from journalism to law, from military service to leadership in the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC).
With a rich tapestry of experiences and qualifications, Ajaero’s journey is a testament to his diverse talents and unwavering commitment to improving workers’ rights in Nigeria. Here are things we need to know about him:
- Joe Ajaero was born on December 17, 1964, in Emekuku, Owerri North, Imo State, Nigeria.
- He holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, earned in 1990.
- Ajaero pursued journalism and obtained a postgraduate diploma in Journalism from Times Journalism Institute in 1994. In 1998, he furthered his education and received a master’s degree in Industrial and Labour Relations from the University of Lagos.
- Ajaero expanded his knowledge by obtaining a law degree from Baze University, Abuja, in 2023.
- He acquired a Certificate in Advance Tariff Structuring and Subsidy Design Option from the International Professional Practice Partnership in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2003.
- Ajaero’s quest for knowledge took him to various institutions, including St George’s Business School, Cambridge University, Harvard Business School, East and South African Management Institute (2011), and the International Labour Training Institute in Turin, Italy (2009).
- During his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1990-1991, he worked as a research officer at the One Mechanized Infantry Division of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna.
- Ajaero’s career kicked off as a reporter and correspondent at Vanguard from 1992 to 2001, where he later assumed the role of assistant news editor.
- He made a transition to the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) in 2001, where he served as the Head of Training/Information until 2005.
- Joe Ajaero currently holds the position of National President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), a prominent unionist organization in Nigeria. Ajaero succeeded Ayuba Wabba as the NLC President, taking the helm of the organization after Wabba served two terms from 2015 to 2023.
- Ajaero has been actively involved in advocating for workers’ rights and labor-related issues in Nigeria through his leadership in the NLC.
- Throughout his career, he has consistently sought to expand his knowledge and skills, evident in his pursuit of various certifications and degrees in different fields.