NUPENG Prepares for Leadership Transition as Oladiti Emerges Likely Successor to Akporeha

By Our Correspondent

The umbrella body of junior workers in the oil and gas industry, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (PTD-NUPENG), is set to elect a new President on April 24.
The outgoing President of NUPENG, Comrade Williams Akporeha, announced his exit date over the weekend while addressing members at the Quarterly National Executive Council meeting of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Branch of the union held in Warri, Delta State.

Findings indicate that a former National Chairman of the PTD-NUPENG and current National Trustee of the union, Comrade Salimon Akanni Oladiti, is expected to emerge as the next President at the election scheduled to take place in Lagos.
Further checks reveal that Oladiti’s emergence would mark a historic moment for the union, as it would be the first time a member of the PTD Branch rises to the position of President.
During the meeting, the Zonal Chairman of the PTD-NUPENG Port Harcourt Zone, Comrade Joseph Okafor, moved a motion for the unanimous ratification of Oladiti for the office of President. The motion was seconded by Comrade Adekunle Akinlaja of the Lagos Zone.
In what appeared to be his valedictory remarks, Akporeha expressed deep appreciation to members of the PTD Branch for their unwavering support throughout his eight-year tenure.
He explained that his decision to support a member of the Tanker Drivers Branch as his successor was driven by conviction and a desire to reward their loyalty and confidence in his leadership.
He said, “Eight years ago, you stood by me in this same room. You didn’t just stand by me, you supported me. When things were tough, you remained steadfast through all the challenges.
“I want to appreciate all of you. If I choose to support one of your own as President, I have no apology. If I had done otherwise, my conscience would have troubled me. God used you to install me.”
Akporeha urged members of the PTD Branch to extend the same level of support to Oladiti, as well as to Comrade Mathias Ote, who has been elected as the substantive National Chairman of PTD-NUPENG, to ensure continued unity and growth within the union.
“By the grace of God, as I move on, I want to see a stronger union than I am leaving behind. I do not want to see PTD in disarray. The greatest favour you can do is to support the man you have elected as your national chairman, and also support your own who will become President by the grace of God on April 24, when I will return as former President,” he added.
“I appreciate the support you gave me; I am proud of all of you.”
Earlier, in his inaugural remarks as the new Chairman of the PTD Branch, Comrade Mathias Ote expressed gratitude to the leadership of NUPENG and the NEC of the branch for entrusting him with the responsibility. He pledged to provide exemplary leadership during his tenure.
He said, “I sincerely appreciate our members and leaders for finding me worthy to lead this great Branch for the next four years.
“There are many capable individuals who could have led this Branch, but by your collective wisdom and the grace of God, I was chosen.
“Comrades, I may not have silver or gold to offer in appreciation, but what I have—good leadership—I will give wholeheartedly.”
In his goodwill message, the President of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Alhaji Lawal Yusuf Othman, commended NUPENG for ensuring a smooth and peaceful transition process that will likely see a PTD member emerge as President.
“I want to once again appreciate NUPENG. NARTO will continue to support the union in every necessary way,” he said.