PTD-NUPENG NEC Confirms Ote as Chairman, Urges Tanker Drivers to Shun Night Driving

By Our Correspondent

The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has affirmed Comrade Mathias Ote as the substantive National Chairman of the PTD Branch.
The decision was reached during the Quarterly National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of PTD-NUPENG held over the weekend in Warri, Delta State.

In his inaugural address, Comrade Ote paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, describing him as a great and exceptional leader.
He noted that the development of the union and the welfare of its members remained Egbon’s top priority until his passing.
“It is indeed very painful to lose such a great and exemplary leader who positively impacted lives and left an indelible mark in the history of the union,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to the leadership of NUPENG and members of the PTD NEC for the confidence reposed in him, Ote pledged to provide leadership that would make members proud.
“I sincerely appreciate all our members and leaders for finding me worthy of this responsibility to lead our branch for the next four years,” he stated.
“You will agree that there are many capable hands, but by your collective decision and the grace of God, I have been chosen.”
He added, “Silver or gold I do not have to offer in appreciation of your support, but I assure you of good leadership, which I will give without reservation.”
The new chairman also emphasized the importance of road safety, urging tanker drivers to avoid night driving due to increasing risks.
He highlighted dangers such as truck hijacking, kidnapping, ritual killings, and fatal accidents, noting that these incidents are more prevalent at night, especially given the poor condition of some roads across the country.
“In view of these risks, I urge all our members to desist from night driving because any consequences arising from such actions will be borne by the driver,” he warned.
Similarly, a National Trustee of NUPENG, Comrade Salimon Akanni Oladiti, echoed the chairman’s concerns, urging tanker drivers to avoid unnecessary risks that could endanger their lives.
“I want to appeal to all of us to heed the advice of our National Chairman. Life has no duplicate,” he said.
“When accidents occur, truck owners may see the driver as a liability to their business. Therefore, let us avoid night driving and adhere strictly to safety measures to protect our lives,” he added.