-by Emmanuel Ajibulu
The overwhelming celebration and outpour of encomiums during the birthday anniversary of the National Chairman of Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG), Comrade (Otunba) Salimon Akanni Oladiti (JP) by people from all walks of life has shown that no human kindness will ever go unnoticed or unrewarded by both God and man.
Thursday October 10, 2019 will remain indelible in the minds of many who witnessed or read about how this great icon, mentor, leader, philanthropist benefactor and pathfinder was celebrated throughout Nigeria and outside the shores of Africa.
He is a man of exceptional ability and performance. He shines as one who has made good for himself and for his country. Otunba Oladiti profoundly stands out as an investor per excellence and through his brilliant investments, hard work and success he has become one of the pillars of the Nigerian economy particularly in the Petroleum value chain.
The world is proud of seeing you in your usual posture, when you made a date with your church by expressing profound gratitude to God through dance, beautiful worship songs, mind touching testimonies and thanksgivings.
You clearly displayed that thanksgiving is not a once-a-year celebration, but a daily reality that has changed your life and made you a joyful person in every situation.
You have again proved that giving of thanks to God for all His blessings should be one of the most distinctive marks of the believer in Jesus Christ and that believers must not allow a spirit of ingratitude to harden their heart and disrupt their relationship with God and with others.
Sir, whilst celebrating this unique and worthwhile milestone, you have succeeded in validating the fact that you remain committed to the principles of justice, fairness, honesty and equality of all people no matter their status or class.
Here is a leader who plied his esteemed knowledge and outstanding experience of trade unionsm to advance the welfare of the Tanker Drivers and also the downtrodden in the society and, thus, protect those ideals and beliefs integral to the exercise of our collective humanity,
Otunba Oladiti’s sterling performance and service to NUPENG especially the PTD Branch, is a source of pride to those who know him. Along with NUPENG National President, Comrade Wiliams Akporeha as Special Adviser on Informal Sector, you have helped to show that assumption of high office does not have to lower one’s sense of morality or lessen their humanity, your integrity, humility and sincerity of purpose have made you an excellent example worthy of emulation.
Rare as a gem. To a man of great determination, who through the years has shone brilliantly through his invaluable achievements. Sir, you stand out as a gem of inestimable value.
Still in the euphoria of your birthday, I say congratulations once again for completing another year of progress. May God continue to grant you more years in good health, strength and wisdom.
-Emmanuel Ajibulu, a journalist, writes from Lagos
