By Deborah Coker
Former President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Peter Esele, on Friday, celebrated Brown Ogbeifun, former President, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN), on his 70th birthday.
Esele, in his tribute said, :” Ogbeifun even at 70, remains youthful in spirit”.
He said this embodied the words of Harold Klemp which says “The point is to live life with a loving grateful heart”.
Going down memory lane, Esele who was also a one time President of PENGASSAN, said he joined the association in 1999, by virtue of working in the oil industry.
“It was during the heated politics of selecting a successor to Shina Luwoye as PENGASSAN President that my path crossed with the man we celebrate today; Brown Ogbeifun.
“Our bloc was pivotal in determining who would emerge victorious. While he wrote and spoke passionately about his vision, campaign managers from opposing camps approached me with a dismissive question:
“How can a nurse be oil workers’ President?”
“I was stunned. That remark prompted me to dig deeper into his background. What I found was a man whose love and commitment to the union had already been proven through his work at NNPC.
“When he eventually emerged as our leader, his nursing background became a strength. A nurse is trained to be patient, compassionate, and empathetic—qualities Brown embodied fully,” he said.
The former TUC president added that behind the gentle demeanor of the celebrator was a steely resolve to do what was right and the courage to fight for what was best for the union.
According to him, I witnessed this firsthand during the National Executive Council meetings he presided over between 2003 and 2005. He often concluded with the phrase: “May PENGASSAN never end in my time”.
“I once challenged him on that; Comrade President, whose time should it end?” I asked.
“He smiled and tried to explain. Someday, you’ll understand he told me; but I wasn’t satisfied.
“He was right. In 2006, when I became President myself, I found myself repeating the same words. Only a President truly understands what a president knows.”
According to Esele also there is an unwritten rule that a past President remains at the service of the new leader, and whatever is discussed, even if you disagree, must never be disclosed to the rank and file.
“I remember vividly his support during a planned nationwide strike. Though he was now in management at NNPC, he remained loyal to the cause.
“As you mark this extraordinary milestone of 70 years, it is with deep joy and admiration that we celebrate the richness of your life. It has been a journey filled with grace, wisdom, resilience, and unwavering love and commitment to workers’welfare.
“70 years is not just a count of time, but a testament to the legacy of character, kindness, and meaningful impact you have made on so many lives.
“Throughout the decades, you have exemplified what it means to live purposefully. Your life has been a blessing to humanity.
“We celebrate you today and always.
Happy birthday, sir.”
(NAN)