In a heartfelt tribute, the immediate past President of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Comrade Williams Eniredonana Akporeha, has congratulated his successor, Comrade (Otunba Dr.) Salimon Akanni Oladiti (JP), on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a beacon of hope and a leader destined to leave indelible marks on Nigeria’s labour movement.
Akporeha, who steered NUPENG through turbulent years, celebrated Oladiti’s emergence as “a divinely orchestrated leadership for a time such as this,” noting that his successor has already demonstrated uncommon courage, wisdom, and patriotism in defending the rights of oil and gas workers.
“Comrade Oladiti is not just a leader; he is a reformer, a bridge builder, and a visionary whose cerebral disposition and pragmatic approach have repositioned NUPENG as a union of dignity and strength,” Akporeha declared.
Akporeha, who also serves as the National Coordinator-General of the Working People United (WoPU)—a grassroots civic and political movement redefining the role of Nigerian workers in shaping the nation’s economic and political future, while mobilizing support for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—praised Oladiti’s steadfast resistance to anti-worker policies, his unwavering support for people-oriented programmes, and his enduring commitment to fair labour practices.
“His stewardship which began in late April 2026 has been marked by discipline, success, progress, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that the union remains a fortress of hope for Nigerian workers,” Akporeha added.
The former president offered heartfelt prayers for Oladiti’s tenure, asking that it be adorned with enviable achievements and enduring legacies, ones that will inspire resilience, foster unity among workers, and etch his place in the annals of Nigeria’s labour history as a leader who blended sagacity with compassion.
“May God grant you long life, robust health, and boundless wisdom. May your tenure be remembered as one that brought prosperity, dignity, and peace to NUPENG and the Nigerian workforce. May your legacy endure beyond generations,” Akporeha prayed.
Born on October 10, Comrade (Otunba Dr.) Salimon Akanni Oladiti (JP) has earned wide acclaim for his unwavering devotion to workers’ rights and his remarkable entrepreneurial vision. His tenure has already ushered in significant infrastructural advancements, welfare-focused initiatives, and a renewed sense of pride among union members.
Concluding his tribute, Comrade Williams Eniredonana Akporeha declared: “On this auspicious day, I join countless Nigerians, union leaders, family members, business associates, mentees, staff and the rank and file of the Union in celebrating a man of destiny. Happy birthday, Comrade Oladiti. May your leadership be fruitful, your vision enduring, and your legacy everlasting.”
