- …Akporeha reaffirms need for members’ loyalty and support for Oladiti
Former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Rahman Mimiko, has called for continuous prayers for the administration of the new President of NUPENG, Comrade (Dr.) Salimon Akanni Oladiti (JP), urging divine guidance for his leadership of the union.
Mimiko made the appeal during a thanksgiving service held at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun Igbalalolu, Ibadan, on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The event drew a mammoth crowd from diverse backgrounds, Veracity Desk (veracitydesk.com) reports.
Addressing the congregation, Mimiko, fondly called Iroko, described the outcome of NUPENG’s recent delegates’ conference as a testament to the union’s unity under strong and legitimate leadership.
“I am happy that today NUPENG is celebrating unity in the house of God. This is significant, and I call for continuous prayers for Comrade Oladiti so that he can succeed and finish well,” Mimiko said.
He commended Pastor Falowo’s sermon, which emphasized wisdom, humility, and putting God first, noting that Oladiti’s character reflects divine grace.
“I thank God for your life and for the message that came from the man of God, Pastor Falowo. He aptly emphasised on applying wisdom, knowledge and understanding and putting God first always and eschew self adoration or putting one’s own ego above all else. Moreover, when I see the character in this church, I can understand the grace of God in your life and I wish you success as you continue to lead the Union.
Former NUPENG General Secretary, Comrade Joseph Iranola Akinlaja, also spoke, recalling his long-standing relationship with Oladiti since 1975 during their days at British Petroleum.
“I know Comrade Oladiti as a man of integrity, courage, and hard work. Today, I declare him the Jagunmolu of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas industry,” Akinlaja said, expressing confidence in Oladiti’s ability to leave enduring legacies.
“I am sincerely convinced absolutely that he will go higher in life, because I’ve always known him to be a goal getter. Today, he is the President of NUPENG, it is my prayer that he will succeed in his tenures in office and leave enduring legacies behind that will strengthen and unite the union more.”
The immediate past President of NUPENG, Comrade Prince Williams Akporeha who came in company of his wife, Mrs. Nora Akporeha on his part, prayed for and publicly backed his successor, Comrade Salimon Akanni Oladiti.
Akporeha also urged union members across the four Zones of the country to extend the same loyalty, love and support they showed him to Oladiti.
Akporeha specifically prayed for divine guidance, wisdom, and strength for his successor to build upon the union’s legacy of industrial harmony and welfare advocacy.
The chief celebrant, Comrade Oladiti could not hold back his joy in the presence of God, he extolled the virtues of former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Mimiko, Comrade Akinlaja and his predecessor, Comrade Akporeha. He also used the occasion to thank all other well-wishers including IPMAN chieftains and all members from across the four Zones of the NUPENG in Nigeria who came despite the fact that the service held in Ibadan. He also appealed to everyone to continue praying for him so that God’s wisdom, knowledge and understanding will take total preeminence while he holds sway in office.
Consequently, Chairman of Lagos Zone of Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) and National Security Coordinator of NUPENG, Comrade Gbolahan Saheed Adigun in his votes of thanks, specially expressed gratitude to everyone who attended the special thanksgiving service organized to celebrate God in the life of NUPENG President and his family.
He however advised the congregrants to embrace the attitude of thanking God all the time irrespective of their conditions, noting that it is more rewarding doing so. He also used himself as a living proof of thanksgiving, saying that is why God has been merciful to him.
It was a long roll call of dignitaries drawn from all labour centres, religious and political divides in attendance at the special thanksgiving service with the theme ‘Give Thanks In All Circumstances’. “Who made you differ?” (“Ta leni to mu o yatọ?) Under the anointing of
Pastor Michael Adekunle Falowo.
Some of the notable figures in attendance were Comrade Otite Onohwohwo, Acting General Secretary of NUPENG, Comrade Mathias O. Ote, National Branch Chairman, Comrade Vincent Ukhuakhua, Comrade Anthony Chukwu, PTD Branch of NUPENG, NUPENG Zonal Chairmen from Kaduna, Lagos, Port-Harcourt, and Warri, NUPENG National Executive Council (NEC) members, PTD Branch Executive Council members.
Also in attendance were Comrade Samuel Olayemi (Chairman Lagos Zone of NUPENG), Comrade Olayemi Oluleye, Comrade Olayemi Tinuade Omotayo, Comrade Adejoke Oyeleke, Olayem Chairmen and Secretaries of other Branches of NUPENG, NUPENG Women Committee, NUPENG Staff, friends, protégés, family members, mentees, business associates, publisher of Veracity Desk, Emmanuel Ajibulu, etc.
Attendees irrespective of their faith were feasibly seen giving profound appreciations, thanks and praises to God for His faithfulness and more importantly for the peaceful and successful conduct of the 6th quadrennial delegates conference held in Lagos few weeks back.
Also at the service, President Oladiti and his wife, Evangelist Olanike Oladiti stepped unto the altar for the presentation of an award for outstanding humility by the leadership of CAC Oke Isegun Igbalaloju.
The service was one of the activities lined-up for the commemoration and consolidation of Comrade Oladiti’s electorial victory. The congregation prayed that NUPENG under Oladiti’s leadership would experience success and total bliss from God with abiding testimonies.
