News
Stop Making Capital Out Of Helicopter Crash, Redeem Your Image & End The Cracks In the Union- PTD Tells NUPENG

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Branch of NUPENG has asked the President and General Secretary of the parent body to concentrate their energies on redeeming their battered image and putting an end to the lingering crisis in the union instead of making capital out of the misfortunes of oil and gas workers who were involved in the helicopter crash last week.
A 79 years old elder, Comrade Joseph Dagogo-Jack in the Port Harcourt Zone of PTD gave the charge in a statement issued Sunday evening in Abuja.
It was widely published that the unfortunate incident occurred at 11:22 a.m along the waterways in Port Harcourt on Thursday, October 24, 2024 when the helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, took off from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig. A total of eight persons were on board, but were all feared dead.
Dagogo-Jack statement reads; “I was in far away Spain to see my dentist when my personal assistant sent me a press release from NUPENG wherein the leadership of the Union commiserate with the families of oil and gas workers who lost their lives in an helicopter crash on Thursday in Port Harcourt. There is nothing wrong in that and as an individual who believes in the sanctity of life, I solemnly say may the souls of the departed continue to rest in perfect peace.
“However what is expected of NUPENG’S General Secretary, Olawale Afolabi and the President, Williams Akporeha is to jointly concentrate on how to unite the union, especially PTD which is the only viable and surviving Branch; they should fix the cracks within it and drop all cases in court and allow a fresh breathe by bestoring leadership legitimacy on Comrade Lucky Osesua, Comrade Dayyabu Garga, Comrade (Chief) Peter Moudebelu (Onwa), Comrade Dr Humble Obinna Power and others. This will ultimately restore sanity in the Union and bring about progress and prosperity and that is the popular opinion of all the members and the elders in the Union. If NUPENG’s leadership can swallow their pride and do this, their lost integrity, honour and dignity would be fully restored.
“Issuing press releases and statements and attempting to make capital out of every event and situation in the country which has no bearing with the union’s philosophy or interest would do them no good, it is purely a misplaced priority. For example the victims of the helicopter crash were all PENGASSAN members; and that well organized union, has responded appropriately. NUPENG has done nothing to uphold and defend the rights of its members who have been subjected to humiliation, casualization and servitude in the oil and gas industry, but NUPENG is always quick to make public appearances on TV and making paid adverts on newspapers, on inconsequential matters and abandoning serious issues that have direct bearing on the lives and livelihoods of their members who are paying check-off-dues.
“Within NUPENG, many staff members have been sacked through trump up charges, some were set up, many branches are completely destroyed, no cohesion, no policy direction, no standard no principles, all the legacies of the union’s founding fathers are totally ruined by one man. It is also on record that the General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale is always changing the Collective Bargaining Agreement of the staff, as well as the bye laws and the constitution of the union to suit his selfish and unholy narratives. What happened to integrity? What happened to moral rectitude? Running a Union as big as NUPENG as private estate is very ridiculous to say the least.
“It is, however, on record that Afolabi has no regard for the basic norms of human conduct. He lacks any self-awareness or self-scrutiny. He seems beyond embarrassment. The only moral and social compass he follows is his own false and fraudulent ideas about what is appropriate and inappropriate, shameful or deceitful.
“I have said it before and will repeat it again that Afolabi has shown himself to be the brightest bulb in the box, criticising others but lacking the capacity to stomach criticism so as to put him on the right track, that is not leadership. So those who are associating themselves with him should have a re-think such that they would not soil their integrity and credibility in the eyes of the public, judiciary, law enforcement agencies and other industry stakeholders who are watching with keen attention and interest. May God restore stability and progress in PTD.”
News
Zed-Faith Foundation Donates Food, Medical Supplies to Orphanage, Elderly Homes in FCT

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
In a bid to ease the impact of rising food prices and economic hardship, the Zed-Faith Foundation International has donated food items and medical supplies to Ark of Refuge Orphanage and Old People’s Home in Kado, Abuja.
The items were distributed over the weekend by representatives of the Foundation on behalf of its Founder and Chairman, Amb. Daniel Onyeka Newman, a UK-based Nigerian and Chief Executive Officer of SBI.
The Foundation’s Media Consultant, Amb. Victor Atewe, who led the delegation, said the donation was a personal initiative by the Chairman and not funded by government or external bodies.
“These items are intended to directly support the children and elderly, and we trust they will be used solely for that purpose,” Atewe said.
He added that the Foundation plans to continue its outreach efforts across the country, noting that the economic situation has made daily survival increasingly difficult for vulnerable groups.
The Foundation also used the occasion to urge the federal government to collaborate more with credible non-governmental organisations in supporting disadvantaged populations, especially as inflation and food insecurity worsen.
Speaking on behalf of the Country Representative, Mr. Chinnaya Dominic Chikwado, the Foundation’s Administrative Officer, Mr. Udodirim Okorie, called on well-meaning Nigerians to support charitable causes and contribute to alleviating the burden on those most affected by the country’s economic crisis.
Representatives of the Old People’s Home and Ark of Refuge Orphanage expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful. They noted that such support helps bridge the gap in essential services for the elderly and children in their care.
“This donation will go a long way in meeting our daily needs.”
“We thank the Foundation for its continued support, especially during such challenging times.”
“Even the smallest gesture makes a big difference to those who have no one else to turn to.”
“We hope others are inspired to follow suit and remember those most in need.”
News
May Day: Senator Manu celebrates with Nigerian workers

The Senator representing Taraba Central Senatorial District, Manu Haruna celebrates May Day with Nigerian workers in Taraba and across Nigeria.
Senator Manu in a congratulatory letter to all Nigerian workers said:
“Your labour towards building a virile nation shall never be in vain as you celebrate May Day today in Nigeria and across the globe.
The former Taraba State Deputy Governor acknowledged the invaluable contributions of workers across various sectors and emphasized their crucial role in driving the nation’s development and progress.
He encouraged continued solidarity among workers while advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and enhanced opportunities.
News
Ibas Pledges Commitment to Workers’ Welfare

The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of workers across the state.
This assurance was given during a meeting with the leadership of organised labour unions held at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo, the meeting served as a platform for open and constructive dialogue on critical labour matters.
The statement outlined key areas of intervention currently being addressed by the government.
These, he said, included the timely payment of salaries and pensions, as well as the resolution of salary arrears, with approval already granted for the payment of newly employed workers at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the judiciary.
Similarly, he said medical workers in the local government areas would receive their proper wages.
He said the minimum wage was being implemented for all local government employees across the state.
The administrator also noted that his administration was currently reviewing challenges related to the contributory pension scheme, ahead of the July 2025 implementation deadline.
Ibas disclosed that plans were underway to expand the fleet of intervention buses reintroduced to ease the transportation burden of workers.
On capacity building, the administrator announced that specialised leadership training for senior civil servants would begin within the next two weeks.
He also revealed that the government was actively considering the implementation of the N32,000 consequential pension adjustment, along with measures to clear outstanding gratuities owed to retirees.
While commending workers for their dedication to service, he called for continued collaboration with labour unions to ensure lasting industrial harmony in the state.
According to the statement, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alex Agwanwor, expressed appreciation to the administrator for the steps already taken to promote workers’ welfare.
Agwanwor also lauded the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged the sustained support and cooperation of labour unions in achieving shared goals.
Meanwhile the NLC has directed its members in the state to observe the International Workers’ Day as a peaceful rally, which is expected to be held within the premises of the union, involving all affiliate unions, and would focus on advocating for the restoration of democratic governance in the state.
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