By Afolabi Oyekunle.
Comrade Akporeha Delivering his speech.
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has got a new national president in person of Comrade Otunba Salimon Akanni Oladiti.
New President of NUPENG
Otunba Oladiti, from the informal - sector of the union, was a National Trustee of the Union, who has also served previously in many posts.
He was unanimously elected at the 6th Quadrennial Delegates conference of the Union, in Lagos.
The new President is bringing into office, a vast experience in the Petroleum industry, having served in various capacity in the union. He pledged to work towards the welfare of the workers interests and growth of NUPENG.
In his valedictory speech at the Delegates Conference, the former President, Comrade Akporeha Williams said his terms in office was a landmark in the Union as progressive records were achieved.
According to the former President, his tenure saw a robust engagements across all branches of the Union, as great achievements were recorded in the welfare of staff and members of the union, in particular the introduction of health insurance for petroleum tanker drivers on wheel; while the payment of salaries and entitlements of retired staff were promptly addressed.
According to him, the landmark was the building of NUPENG Tower, a seven story National Secretariat, built without a single bank loan.
On problems face by Tanker drivers on the roads, he called on the government to address the insecurity in the country.
According to Comrade Akporeha, it is disheartening that insecurity is spreading everywhere without any trace of taming it.
"From the North-East to the South-South, insecurity is hampering the operations of our petroleum. Incidents of petroleum truck hijacking and kidnapping have risen sharply. Our members now spend more to secure their businesses. We salute the courage of our security personnel, but we appeal to government to do more in the welfare and provision of more sophisticated equipment."
Comrade Akporeha while acknowledging the efforts of federal government to embark on road infrastructure construction, said many economic roads still remain impassable as NUPENG members who traverse the nooks and crannies in the country are facing horrible conditions.
He called on the government to address these challenges, especially as the raining season is approaching."
Expressing concern about the harm the insecurity is creating, cross section of the participants, noted that "unless insecurity is treated with drastic step, pursuing economic and political growth would be a mirage."
Comrade Akporeha felicitated with the new National President, Comrade Salimon Oladiti, thanking him for his support. " His deep knowledge of our industry and his unwavering readiness to support us whenever we called upon him will forever remain a guiding light. He stood with us, not just as a leader, but as a father figure whose counsel and presence enriched our journey."
The former President was also appreciative of his staff in particular the General Secretary, Comrade Afolabi Olawale. " let me render a heartfelt and special appreciation to my right-hand man, a brother, a friend, a Comrade, a thoroughbred professional who has held the Secretariat firm and steady through every storm.
Indefatigable NUPENG GS Comrade Afolabi Olawale
The Conference was attended by delegates from the states, while leaders and Presidents of some Trade unions graced the occasion.
In his solidarity message, the President General of the Trade Union Congress and National President of PENGASSAN, Comrade Festus Osifo, commended the cordial relationship between NUPENG and PENGASSAN during the term of Comrade Akporeha in addressing issues in the petroleum industry.
PENGASSAN President Comrade Osifo.
He pledged solidarity and extends hands of fellowship to the new NUPENG Executive.
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