By Seyifunmi Odunuga
The Golden Tulip, Jericho Ibadan in Oyo state was on Friday, 23rd June 2023, jampacked with who is who in the society, including the cream de la creme, all petroleum tanker drivers in the South West, movers and shakers in the petroleum industry. They converged together to celebrate with the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch of Nigeria Union of Petroleum And Natural Gas Workers, Lagos Zonal Council, for the maiden edition of the Award Dinner/Celebration of Excellence on the occasion of the PTD NEC Meeting under the leadership of the host, PTD Lagos Zonal Chairman, Com. (Alh.) Adigun Omogbolahan Saheed, popularly called Oba Mobil.
The event started with Nigeria and NUPENG anthems followed by opening prayer both in Christian and Muslim faiths by Com. Lucky Osesua and Com. Dayabu Garuba, respectfully.
Thereafter, the welcome speech was delivered by the host chairman, PTD Lagos Zonal Chairman, Com. (Alh) Adigun Omogbolahan Saheed popularly called (Oba Mobii).
Comrade Omogbolahan in his address, welcomed all the leadership of the union, representatives of depots managements members of the union present and other guests to the special dinner award ceremony for the union.
He said, “This event is the first of its kind in the history of the zone and I am honoured to stand before you to acknowledge the achievements of our wonderful leaders and members. The award presentation is separated into two categories: category A and category B.”
Com. Adigun Omogbolahan Saheed stated further that awards in the A category would be for some of the leaders of the union who have made excellent contributions and registered their marks as iconic symbols in the industry while category B is a performance award for members, exceptional petroleum tanker drivers on the wheel given to encourage good conducts and inculcate ethical values among members on the wheel.
Thereafter, the small but mighty saxophonist, Ore Ofe Sax who was among the guest artists was called on stage to entertain the guests present at the occasion.
Ore Ofe Sax did wonderfully well satisfying all dignitaries present at the occasion to the fullest while an upcoming artist, Ashny was also not left out in dishing out good hip-hop music to thrill the dignitaries present at the occasion.
Then the introduction of the PTD NUPENG Lagos Zonal Council Exco was performed by the Zonal Secretary, PTD, Lagos Zonal Council, Akinlaja Adekunle and followed by the presentation of the awards which was coordinated by ace comedian, Koffee Guru and Rotimi Johnson.
During the award presentation, one million nairas each, television sets and freezers were presented to Com. Lucky Osesua, and the host chairman, Com. Adigun Omogbolahan Saheed. While the youngest tanker driver, Com. Muritala Salawu Abiola (33 years) went. home with N250,000.
Some of the awardees could not hide their joy and happiness with the class event organized by the host chairman, Com. Adigun Omogbolahan Saheed lauding and encouraging him not to relent in what he has started.
The NUPENG Trustee, Comrade (Otunba) Salimon Oladiti; host chairman, Comrade (Alhaji) Adigun Omogbolahan Saheed (Omo Mobii) and other dignitaries present could not but laud the awards-winning caterer, Eunice Olaseeke Adeoye of Ripples Catering and Events for the quality and quantity of food supplied, and always being at alert to attend to guests in their beautiful branded clothes and decent mature way of attending to clients.
They all encouraged her not to relent in doing what she knows best with passion and that the sky is the beginning and not the limit for her.
Oba Mobii in his vote thanks, thanked all the leaders of the union, the tanker drivers, all the NUPENG management and dignitaries present at the occasion for the support, He specifically mentioned Comrade (Otunba) Salimon Oladiti and NUPENG General Secretary, Comrade Afolabi Olufemi, among many others.
The event was covered by Apreel1 Events TV.