In a labour movement built on sacrifice, courage, and unbreakable solidarity, few names carry the weight of history quite like Comrade Samuel Adewunmi Dada.
On his 82nd birthday anniversary, the National Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) rose in unison to celebrate one of its finest veterans, an elder statesman, a distinguished labour juggernaut, and a pillar upon whom the great Union proudly stands.
It was not just a birthday. It was a moment of honour, gratitude, and reflection on a life poured selflessly into the collective struggle for workers’ dignity.
A Pillar of the Struggle
For decades, Comrade Dada has stood tall in the trenches of labour activism, through seasons of trials, triumphs, negotiations, strikes, and victories that shaped not only NUPENG but the entire Nigerian labour movement.
Those who have walked with him describe him as principled, fearless, disciplined, and deeply committed to the welfare of workers. He is the kind of leader who never sought the spotlight, yet whose presence commanded respect. A man whose counsel has steadied generations of union leaders, and whose sacrifices helped lay the foundation on which today’s NUPENG stands strong.
“He is one of the strong pillars of this great Union and we hold him in high esteem,” the National Leadership declared in its birthday felicitation on its social media page.
82 Years of Strength, Wisdom and Grace
At 82, Comrade Dada remains a symbol of resilience, a living archive of the Union’s history, and a moral compass for younger comrades navigating the complexities of modern labour struggles.
His life is a testament to the truth that true leadership is not measured by titles held, but by lives touched, battles fought, and legacies left behind.
As messages of goodwill poured in from across the Union, the leadership prayed for his continued good health, joy, and sound mind, that he may continue to enjoy the fruits of his labour in peace and honour.
A Celebration Beyond a Birthday
For NUPENG, celebrating Comrade Dada is celebrating its own roots. It is a reminder to the present generation that the freedoms and gains workers enjoy today were paid for by the blood, sweat, and unwavering commitment of veterans like him.
Today, the Union does not just say Happy Birthday. It says Thank You.
Thank you for your service. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for showing what it truly means to be a Comrade.
Happy 82nd Birthday, Comrade Samuel Adewunmi Dada!
Long live NUPENG! Long live the labour movement!
