The Golden Tulip, Jericho Ibadan in Oyo State, was on Friday, 23rd June 2023, jampacked with who is who in society, including the cream de la creme, all petroleum tanker drivers in the South West, and movers and shakers in the petroleum industry.
They converged together to celebrate with the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG) 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 Nigerian and NUPENG anthems followed by an opening prayer by Com for both Christian and Muslim faiths. 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 union’s leadership, representatives of depot management members of the union, and other guests to the special dinner award ceremony for the union.
He said, “This event is the first of its kind in the zone’s history 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 to the fullest. As 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 ace comedian Koffee Guru and Rotimi Johnson coordinated.
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 awardees could not hide their joy and happiness with the class event organised by the host chairman, Com. Adigun Omogbolahan Saheed, who lauded and encouraged him not to relent in what he had 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 urged her to persevere in pursuing her passion and believed that the sky is only the beginning 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.