Urhobos In PTI Charged To Sustain Existing Peace, Collaborate With Other Ethnic Groups

Oghenruona Tejiri, Effurun

Urhobos in the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun have been called upon to sustain the existing peace as well as collaboratively work with other ethnic groups in the Institute with a view to move it to greater heights.

This call was made by Dr. Samuel E. Onoji, Principal/Chief Executive of Petroleum Training Institute(PTI), Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State during the 2024 annual Urhobo Day Celebration/Send Forth Party organised by Ukoko R’ Emoto R’ Urhobo Re Petroleum Training Institute,(PTI), he said that it is imperative to sustain the current existing peace collaboratively.

Dr. Onoji, an engineer who was represented by Engr. (Mrs.) Grace Erimona, Director of Services, PTI said that the unity existing in the Institute should be sustained, adding, “I enjoin us all to do our best to move the Institute forward. I also enjoin you to work in collaboration with other tribes in the Institute and take it to enviable heights.”

In his welcome address, Mr. John Emunefe, Chairman, Ukoko R’ Emoto R’ Urhobo Re Petroleum Training Institute, PTI called on his people to be united and support the leadership of the Principal/Chief Executive to achieve its goals.

Mr. Emunefe stressed the need for the Urhobos to support the Engr. Onoji leadership of the Petroleum Training institute whom he said has good plans for all staff especially for the Urhobo indigenes of the Institute.

According to Mr. Emunefe, “we need to give him our support so that he will carry out his plans for us. We also need to love one another. We need to respect other ethnic groups because it’s a federal institution. We are not alone, there are other ethnic groups in the Institute. We have to work with them to take the Institute to the next level.

“We need to be united as a people. We need to respect ourselves as well as love one another.”

In his speech, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, Chairman, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue who was the chairman of the ceremony harped on the need to remain united.

According to Hon. Ighrakpata who was represented by Peter Agbaja, a lawyer, “I urge you to stand together as one. Stand united in your pursuit of fairness, justice and equality. Stand united in your commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of every one of your members.”

Chief Ighrakpata added, “I want you to understand that unity is your strength. It is the foundation upon which your union is built. When you stand together, you are unstoppable and you are a force to be reckoned with.

“Also note that unity is not just about standing together, it is about standing up for one another. It is about supporting each other through thick and thin. It is about being a shoulder to lean on, a listening ear, and a helping hand. You are not just individuals; you are a team. Together, you can achieve growth and greatness.”

While enjoining members of the group to give the much needed support to Engr. Onoji, Principal/Chief Executive of the Institute for him to succeed, Chief Ighrakpata called on them to support the administration of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori in his good works for the State.

In his remarks, Chief Ese Gams Owe, President-General, Urhobo Progress Union(UPU) Worldwide who was represented by Chief Emmanuel Omovie, National Legal Adviser of the UPU advised members and leadership of the Ukoko R’ Emoto R’ Urhobo Re Petroleum Training Institute, PTI to continue to give the much needed support to the leadership of the Institute so as to move the school to greater heights.

High point of the event was the presentation of award of recognition to Engr (Dr ) Samuel E. Onoji for his immense contributions to the development of the Urhobo Community in Petroleum Training Institute, PTI.

An award of Grand Patron was also presented to the Chairman, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Chief Solomon Ighrakpata for his immense contributions to the development of Urhobo Community in the Institute.