By Nyerhowvwo Oghenetejiri

In its’ determined bid to encourage as well as motivate staff to
contribute more towards the overall advancement of the Petroleum
Training Institute (P.T.I), Effurun to meet its’ objective of
producing middle level manpower for the oil and gas industry,
management of the Institute recently rolled out drums to honour some worthy staff who have served meritoriously.

Addressing the awardees in Effurun, Mr. Avuakporeta J. Orukele, Ag. Principal/Chief Executive, Petroleum Training Institute (P.T.I)
disclosed that award recipients have made invaluable contributions to the growth of the Institute adding that the honour done them demands greater commitment.

According to Mr. Orukele, “management of P.T.I is proud to honour the award recipients who have made invaluable contributions to the growth of this great Institute, the “Centre of Excellence”. Your
contributions to the development of the Institute in whatever
capacity, has shaped P.T.I to its’ present level. The honour you are
earning today demands greater commitment and more efforts to the
realization of the objectives and aims of P.T.I.”

Speaking further, Mr. Orukele added, “your deed speaks volume far
better than anything I will say. I hope that this occasion will remind
you and your family of the appreciation and high regard to which we
hold you, and our appreciation to you for your loyal service. To our
retired staff members, always view yourselves as worthy ambassadors of the Institute and be prepared to defend the Institute whenever the need arises.”

While noting that the oil and gas sector is undergoing serious
challenges and aggressive reformations, the Ag. Principal/Chief
Executive of the Institute implored staff of the Institute to rise up
to surmount these challenges by playing active roles, adding, “I
therefore, implore you to be creative and bring your wealth of
experience to bear on the job. We must evolve new training techniques in line with global best practice to move the Institute to the next level.”

Mr. Orukele disclosed that there were reasons to celebrate the
awardees and other staff because the Institute recorded immense feats in meeting Federal Governments’ aims and objectives, he listed some of the achievements to include regular power and water supply on campus, uninterrupted academic activities, industrial peace on campus, employment of about 150 staff, vigorous pursuit of staff welfare among others.

He added, “these achievements could not have been possible without
you. As we honour you today, please join management in the task of
developing the Institute by rededicating yourselves to its’ services.
I urge you to seize the esteemed opportunity to consolidate your
service to the strategic development of the Institute.”

Mr. Orukele then expressed appreciation to Mr. Emmanuel I. Kachikwu, Minister of State for Petroleum, Petroleum Technology Development Fund (P.T.D.F), Pipelines Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Warri Refining and Petrochemicals Company (WRPC), Nigerian Gas Company n(NGC) among others for their cooperation and assistance to the Institute.

High point of the ceremony was the cutting of the long service award
cake and presentation of plaques to the 54 worthy recipients who
served meritoriously and attained various milestones of 35, 30,
25,20,15 and 10 years respectively.