National Treasurer, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, (NUPENG).
[dropcap]S[/dropcap]ome leaders are born, some achieve leadership, some have leadership thrust upon them, while only very few have all three embedded in them. Comrade Alex Agwanwor, the present National Treasurer of NUPENG , the trail-blazing unionist mogul par excellence from Rivers State, is one of the few good men. He is an embodiment of cerebral articulation, the essence of unparalleled philanthropy, the epitome of intellectual and breathtaking simplicity. The personification of undiluted humanness, the perfect example of leadership symbolism, the paragon of idealism, the soul of humanity, the heart of warrior, the perfect gentleman. It is certainly impossible to gloss over his attributes for greatness. He is a perfect gentleman, a man of valour, the bringer of rain. In the gallery of great leaders and great men, he is without doubt, a rare masterpiece.
Comrade Alex Agwanwor is a man with the divine prowess of touching lives in a very positive way. He is humble, unassuming, intelligent, articulate, a philanthropist per excellence .Recently, delegates of the Grassroots Newspaper Publishers paid him a courtesy visit where he shed more light on several issues mostly the new proactive leadership of NUPENG. Please read on . . .
Can we meet you sir?
My name is Comrade Alex Agwanwor, the National Treasurer of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, (NUPENG).
Can you take us through your Profile as a Unionist?
Well, I started far back in 2001. At the Branch level, became active in the workers’ struggle and emancipation. In 2003, I was elected as the Branch Treasurer in my Company. In 2009, I was elected as the Zonal Assistant Secretary and in September 2017, I was elected the Zonal Chairman, Port-Harcourt Zonal Council and by the grace of God, in April 2018, I was elected the National Treasurer of NUPENG.
Briefly tell us the NUPENG’s present leadership achievements
Infact, we work as a team with the National President, Comrade Williams Akporeha as the captain of the ship. I will say that since he took over leadership at the National level, he has made some fundamental progress in terms of profiling the union. We have also met with public and private organizations to strengthen the new image of the union, taking the necessary steps to protect the workers’ rights. As a union, it is our responsibility to ensure that oil workers who are our members have their rights, jobs protected. We also ensure we partner with various companies, and organizations both public and private in achieving all these. I think this is all I can say for now; with time, our actions will speak for us.
How can you describe your National President, Comrade Williams Akporeha. Do you think he can take NUPENG to greater height?
Comrade Williams Akporeha I would say is a special and rare breed. He is a rooted unionist , A man who was elected unopposed because he has shown dexterity on labour related issues over the years. He is a core unionist who rose through the ranks in NUPENG to get to the exalted office of President, he has crossed many water and bridges. He needs not to be told what the workers are facing. The position he is occupying today is not by mistake. I think it is a well deserved position because he started his leadership role in NUPENG as a branch Secretary, Branch Chairman and later became Warri Zone Treasurer, Warri Zonal Chairman and Vice President, Warri Zone respectively with many indelible records. A very proactive and gallant fellow who was also Delta State Vice Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress and Delta State Chairman of NLC. The strength and character of Akporeha as a leading unionist was defined by the doggedness of a man who has lived a life full of dynamic struggles and fruitful activism with vast experience, many active years and excellent track records in industrial relations and ultimately as a man with badge of honour, humility and integrity. Infact, he is a man of intellect, vision and purpose. My wish is that God will continue to enrich him with wisdom and vision to take the union to the next level.
What is the hope of oil workers in Nigeria as new administration has set in?
As we all know that the oil and gas sector is the mainstream of Nigerian economy today and as a union knowing full well we have a leadership that can stand solidly behind them to fight for their right by engaging all the stakeholders in oil and gas sector, the oil workers should therefore should continue to support the present leadership in order to achieve this feat.
What is your take on the Apapa gridlock as it affects NUPENG?
It is seriously appalling and disturbing. Recall that just recently, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria gave ultimatum to the security agencies in Lagos state to clear the Apapa gridlock. So, I think the federal government is working to curb the gridlock. Meanwhile, there is need to open up the seaports in other parts of the country to decongest ports in Lagos. Also, the designation of the Calabar, Port Harcourt and Warri ports for cargo transaction would bring the perennial traffic at the Apapa ports to an end.
What is your legacy?
I would like to be remembered as a union activist; a fellow, who protected workers’ rights, jobs and improved their welfare.