By Francis Sadhere, Warri
The newly elected President of the Urhobo and Isoko Community Workers Welfare Association, OML 30, Chief Ubiri Freeborn, has pledged to lead the association with integrity, fairness, unity and commitment, while prioritising the welfare and collective interests of its members.
Ubiri made the pledge in his acceptance speech following his emergence as president of the association, expressing gratitude to members for the confidence reposed in him to pilot its affairs.
The new executive was subsequently sworn into office by Mr Obinite John, a former President of the association.
Addressing the Manager, Community Relations and Development (CRD), Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, Heritage staff, the Chairman of the Contractor Forum, contractors, community workers, Principal Generals (PGs), community leaders, invited guests and members of the media, Ubiri described his election as a “great privilege and honour.”
He said he was deeply moved by the trust and confidence members had placed in him, assuring that he would justify the mandate by providing purposeful and responsible leadership.
The president commended past leaders of the association for their dedication, sacrifices and contributions towards building a strong organisation that had stood the test of time.
He said the achievements and foundation laid by previous administrations would be respected and built upon, stressing that the task of taking the association forward could not be accomplished by one person.
According to him, “True progress requires the strength, ideas and hands of every single member of this association.”
He therefore called on all members, particularly past leaders, to unite behind the new executive and contribute their wealth of experience and ideas towards achieving the association’s objectives.
Ubiri stressed that unity remained critical to the development and success of the association, urging members to put aside differences and work together for their common interest.
“My commitment to you is simple. I will serve with integrity. My profession as an accountant teaches us to believe in integrity, fairness, uprightness and commitment,” he said.
He also promised to listen to members’ concerns and work tirelessly to address issues affecting their welfare and advance the collective interests of community workers in OML 30.
The president expressed optimism that the association would be able to convert the opportunities available within the operating environment into sustainable benefits and lasting success stories for its members.
“Together, we will turn our current opportunities into lasting success stories,” he declared.
In one of his first administrative decisions, the new president dissolved the existing executives of all the field units within the association.
He directed the affected field units to conduct fresh elections to select new executives that would work in line with the objectives and policies of the new administration.
The move, according to the new leadership, is expected to provide a fresh administrative structure and strengthen coordination across the various operational fields under OML 30.
Earlier, the immediate past President of the association, Okpakaife Alex, in his opening address, commended members for their support and cooperation throughout his administration.
Okpakaife urged members to extend the same cooperation and goodwill they accorded his administration to the newly elected executive, stressing that the success of the new leadership would depend largely on the collective support of members.
He called for unity and continuity, urging members to work with the new executive in the interest of the association and its members.
The new president thanked members for the confidence reposed in the executive and called on everyone to join hands with the administration in moving the association forward.
Other members of the newly constituted executive include Mr Agbatioma Jonah, Vice President, Olomoro Field; Mr Obinitie Anoriode, Secretary, UPS Field; Mr Umukoro Lucky, Public Relations Officer (PRO), UPC Field; Mr Umukperuo Anthony, Treasurer, Afiesere Field; and Mr Ogedegbe Sunday, Financial Secretary, Kokori Field.
Mr.Opakaife Alex-Adviser 1 (Afiesere Field), Mr. Atumrigho Joseph-Adviser 2 (UPS Field), Mr. Obinitie John-Adviser 3 (UPS Field), Mr. Oporo Goodluck-Adviser (Uzere Field), and, Prince Inidvosa Freeborn-Speaker (Eriemu Field).
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