LATE COMRADE JOSEPH Ogbebor
GENERAL SECRETARY 2015-2018
LATE COMRADE JOSEPH EBUSELE OGBEBOR
GENERAL SECRETARY OF NUPENG (2015-2018)
Comrade Joseph Ebusele Ogbebor was born on October 29, 1956, into the family of Mr. George Kadiri Ogbebor. He hails from Irrua in the present-day Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. He began his educational journey at Oza Primary School, Benin-City in 1963. He then proceeded to St. Peter’s College, Agenebode in 1969, where he successfully obtained his West African School Certificate.
To further his education, Comrade Ogbebor attended the Advanced School of Accountancy and Management Studies (ASAMS) in Lagos between 1982 and 1984. He also earned a Diploma in Public Administration from the University of Benin in 1997, a Bachelor of Laws degree from the same institution in 2006 and acquired numerous local and international training certifications throughout his career.
Comrade Ogbebor was formally employed by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) on June 16, 1987, as an Organizing Secretary, coordinating the activities of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch across Ore (Ondo State), Benin Depot (Edo State), and the Warri Unit (Delta State).
Through merit, dedication, and loyalty to the ideals of the Union, Comrade Ogbebor rose steadily through the ranks. He was transferred to the Warri Zonal Office on 15th March, 1990, and on 1st May, 1993, promoted to Senior Organizing Secretary (SOS). Subsequently, he was posted to the Port-Harcourt Zonal Office on 1st November, 1997, and later elevated to Assistant General Secretary (AGS) on 1st August, 2002.
On 1st May, 2004, he was transferred to Warri Zonal Office as Head of Administration for the Zone. After two years of meritorious service there, he was redeployed on 3rd July, 2006 to head the Port-Harcourt Zonal Office, where increasing unionization and operational activities required his tested leadership. During this period, he was promoted to Senior Assistant General Secretary (SAGS).
In further recognition of his sterling performances, he was appointed Deputy General Secretary (Administration) from 1st February, 2012 and was transferred to the National Secretariat in Lagos. In 2015, he was elevated to Acting General Secretary, and in recognition of his outstanding service, confirmed as the substantive General Secretary of NUPENG on 12th May, 2016.
Comrade Ogbebor was a staunch advocate for national labour unity. He worked closely with other unions under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the broader labour movement to advance workers’ rights across Nigeria. His efforts ensured that NUPENG’s goals aligned with national labour priorities, including social justice, poverty alleviation, and economic equity.
As General Secretary, Comrade Ogbebor tirelessly advocated labour laws and policies that benefited workers in the oil and gas sector. Additionally, he represented NUPENG at numerous national and international platforms, engaged with policymakers, industry leaders, and other unions to advocate for the interests of Nigerian workers within the global labour movement.
He retired in 2018 after decades of dedicated services to Nigeria Oil and Gas Workers and the Nigeria Labour movement in general.
Even in retirement, Comrade Ogbebor was a pillar of wisdom and guidance, generously offering his counsel through the NUPENG Elders Consultative Forum. His mentorship and continued engagement were instrumental in nurturing the next generation of union leaders and advancing the cause of organized labour.
His personal interests include reading, listening to music, following international politics and labor events, and football.
On Saturday, 16th August 2025, Comrade Joseph Ebusele Ogbebor, passed away after a brief illness and was laid to rest in his hometown of Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State.
May his noble soul continue to rest in perfect peace.
