Ogheneruona Tejiri, Effurun
The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) will continue to make progress despite the current dynamics in the energy sector.
This was disclosed by Dr. Henry Adimula, Principal/Chief Executive, Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, during the “2023 Annual Urhobo Day” celebration convened by the “Ukoko R’ Emoto R’ Urhobo R’ PTI” an association of Urhobo indigenes working in the Institute.
According to Dr. Adimula, the PTI had the mandate of providing training and capacity development for the oil and gas industry adding that it would continue to be a key player in the industry.
He noted that with synergy, the oil and gas institution would be able to surmount any challenge and urged people to put aside whatever differences “if there may be” and work towards the Institute’s common goal.
Dr. Adimula who was the Special Guest of Honour expressed his appreciation to the organisers of the event noting that unity was a driving force in the PTI
According to him, “PTI community understands one language and speaks one language. PTI is mindful of the enormous responsibility before it to be the hub of training and capacity development in the Petroleum Industry. The scope is quite large.
“As we continue to synergise, whatever differences there may be,. I believe we will continue to be on the side of the founding fathers of PTI.
“We play our parts together especially at this time when the energy industry is experiencing some dynamics, we will continue to make progress in the industry.
“Today is a day to rejoice. We have come together as brothers and sisters to show the world that after much hard work, it is time to unwind and face the next huge task before us,” he said.
Earlier, in his address of welcome, Mr John Emunefe, Chairman, Ukoko R’ Emoto R’ Urhobo R: PTI urged the Urhobos to unite for the common good of the people.
He expressed his appreciation to the management of PTI for employing more Urhobo indigenes in the 2023 employment as well as granting them promotions in their respective careers in the institute.
According to him, some of the Urhobo sons and daughters that were employed by the management had since joined the Ukoko and contributing their quotas toward the advancement of the association.
“It is our prayers that these young men and women will grow to the top of their careers and contribute their quotas to the advancement of the Urhobo Nation here in the Institute and beyond,” he said.
Mr. Emunefe said that during the year under review, the Ukoko (group) became an affiliate of the apex social cultural organisation of all Urhobos worldwide, the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) with all the accrued rights and privileges.
He advised the Urhobo staff in PTI to take their careers seriously noting that they would not be members of the Ukoko(group) without first being a staff of the Institute.
Accordng to Mr. Emunefe, ‘I appeal to all members of Ukoko (group) to be loyal to Institute and it’s authorities at every level. Be good host to colleagues from other ethnic groups, be honest and be a good ambassador of the larger Urhobo Nation.
“We must unite and support each other. I appeal that we support our brothers who are contesting in Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria(PENGASSAN) election holding on Jan. 25, 2024.
“I also appeal to PENGASSAN members to conduct themselves in a most orderly and peaceful manner before, during and after the election.
“If by His grace our brothers are victorious at the poll, we must be magnanimous in victory because it comes from the good Lord.”
Also speaking, Hon. Benedict Etanabene, Member representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency at the National Assembly who is Chairman of the occasion expressed his appreciation to members of the group, he urged the people to remain united.
Highlights of the celebration was the inauguration of the new members of the Ukoko as well as the presentation of awards to some deserving individuals.
Among the awardees was Mr Isaac Fregene, Registrar, PTI.
The Ema Royal dance of Uvwie and an Urhobo traditional musician thrilled the audience.
