By Deborah Coker
Peter Esele, Former President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC)/ Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on Wednesday paid glowing tribute to Uche Okoro, late former president of PENGASSAN.
Okoro who was the 11th president of PENGASSAN, died in the Sosoliso Airlines crash that claimed 108 lives in 2005.
Esele in his tribute to the late PENGASSAN president, 20 years after his tragic death, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja, said that the association that year faced an unthinkable tragedy.
He described the late Okoro as a visionary leader who rose from Port Harcourt chairmanship to unite the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and PENGASSAN presidencies, a development he said was a “historical feat”.
According to him, Okoro’s leadership was a legacy of grit and unity as it was transformative. He inaugurated strategic training programmes to elevate PENGASSAN’s voice in Nigeria’s labour movement.
“He remains the only man to have served as president of both NUPENG and PENGASSAN. A feat that speaks to his patience, grit, and unwavering commitment to labour.
“Cut short by the crash, yet his successors, including current president Festus Osifo, sustained his vision.”
The veteran trade unionist added that the late Okoro’s story wasn’t just about loss, saying that “it’s proof that when a union walks its talks, it can turn tragedy into triumph “.
“What followed after that ill fated airline crash was a testament to the union’s unwavering solidarity as it immediately activated its creed ‘An Injury to one is an Injury to All’.
“On receipt of the news of his death, acting as president, I immediately proposed a trust fund for Okoro’s five children and homemaker wife. The union unanimously backed it.
“Today, that decision has yielded extraordinary outcomes as all five children are now professionals; mechanical engineer, software engineer, data analyst, electrical/electronics expert, and medical doctor.
“His widow, once a full-time homemaker, is now a manager at the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (formerly DPR),” said.
Esele used the opportunity to appreciate those who have been part of the success story of the union before and after his tenure.
“To those who came before me, Shina Luwoye and Brown Ogbeifun, thank you for your guidance. To those who came after, Babatunde Ogun, F.O. Johnson, Ndukaku Ohaeri, Frank Esanubi, and the current President Festus Osifo, thank you for keeping the flag flying.
“My gratitude also goes to the Government and people of Rivers, led by Dr Peter Odili, who was governor when this unfortunate incident occurred.
“I have never been more proud to be part of this union.
“Yes, we are PENGASSAN. Yes, we walk our talk. Yes, we protect our own,” he added.
(NAN)