
The Caretaker Chairman of the “Justice Forum,” a coalition of leaders from the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Branch of NUPENG in the South-South Zone, Comrade Praise Ogidi-King, has lauded the newly elected President of NUPENG, Comrade Salimon Akanni Oladiti (JP), for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to breaking barriers and steering the Union onto a path of enduring greatness.
Speaking during a high-level business meeting of senior oil and gas professionals held on Friday morning at the Marriott Hotel in Lagos, Ogidi-King praised Comrade Oladiti for what he described as a bold, inspiring, and promising start to his tenure.
He emphasized that Oladiti’s leadership style reflects a deep sense of purpose and determination to strengthen the Union’s influence, foster unity among members, and advance the collective interests of workers in the petroleum sector.
“Comrade Otunba Salimon Akanni Oladiti’s leadership has become a beacon of hope, strength, and renewed vitality for NUPENG, inspiring confidence in its future and unity among its people. Impressively, the Union is now witnessing a strong and promising start, and continuous progress,” Ogidi-King stated.
He praised Oladiti’s commitment to reforming the Union, uniting aggrieved members, and addressing long-standing grievances that had weakened the organization under the immediate past administration.
According to Ogidi-King, Oladiti has already taken deliberate steps to correct the missteps and discontent allegedly created under previous administrations which had adversely affected the Union.
He reiterated that these reforms signal a renewed sense of accountability and direction within NUPENG, restoring confidence among members, paid staff, government agencies, and critical industry stakeholders.
Ogidi-King further highlighted Oladiti’s distinguished record of service, noting his prior roles as National Trustee of NUPENG and National Chairman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Branch.
Ogidi-King emphasized that Comrade Oladiti’s leadership in previous roles was distinguished by effective representation of workers’ interests, successful negotiations that secured improved working conditions, and strategic advocacy that promoted stability and fairness within the energy sector. These achievements, he argued, have endowed Oladiti with the credibility, experience, and insight required to lead NUPENG at the apex level.
Similarly, Ogidi-King used the occasion to express appreciation to the peace-loving National Chairman of the PTD Branch of NUPENG, Comrade Mathias Otasukporo Ote, for his exemplary leadership in steering the union in the right direction.
Ogidi-King commended Comrade Ote’s wealth of experience and requisite credentials, which he noted have been instrumental in distinguishing the PTD Branch as a formidable and respected arm of the union.He emphasized that Comrade Ote’s leadership style, rooted in integrity, inclusiveness, and strategic foresight, has not only strengthened the branch but also enhanced its credibility within the Petroleum Tanker Drivers as well as the broader labor movement.
According to him, the PTD Branch under Ote’s guidance has become a model of unity and resilience, demonstrating the value of purposeful leadership in advancing the collective interests of workers.
“You have earned our firm and unwavering vote of confidence in the Branch. We encourage you to sustain the commendable work you are doing, which has already distinguished you as a leader of integrity, vision, and purpose. Your reputation as a peace-loving, accommodating, humble, affable, and courteous leader continues to set you apart, and these qualities have become the defining hallmark of your leadership. They inspire trust, foster unity, and strengthen the collective resolve of the Union. With these virtues, we are confident that you will continue to guide the Branch toward greater achievements, enduring progress, and a legacy of excellence,” he affirmed.
Reflecting on the broader lessons of leadership, Ogidi-King remarked:
“True leadership thrives on trust, competence, and a shared vision. When staff members or elected officials lack these qualities, they cease to be assets and instead become liabilities. The strength of any leader is ultimately measured by the quality, loyalty, and integrity of the team surrounding them.
“A visionary leader such as Comrade Oladiti must remain vigilant against individuals whose actions or motives could derail his mission and tarnish his legacy. History has repeatedly shown that disloyal members within an organization undermine sound decisions, foster division, and erode trust.
“Without unity and loyalty, even the most forward-thinking leadership risks sabotage from within. For the collective good of the Union, our esteemed Comrade Oladiti must act decisively to disengage from anyone whose agenda runs contrary to his laudable plans and programs. Progress demands courage, and the new leadership must embrace the principle that growth requires letting go of elements that hinder advancement — truly embodying the mantra of ‘good riddance to bad rubbish.’”
Ogidi-King further cautioned that incompetent or destructive staff not only drain resources but also delay progress and weaken organizational credibility.
He urged NUPENG’s leadership to remain vigilant, stressing that loyalty, competence, and constructive engagement are non-negotiable qualities for sustainable leadership.
“Failure to weed out disloyal, destructive, or incompetent individuals risks not only the leader’s reputation but also the survival of the Union itself. A strong, trustworthy team is the bedrock of sustainable leadership.”
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