NUPENG Former President, Comrade Akpatason Decorated As Asst. Commissioner, Lagos State Scout Council
Deputy Majority Leader of the Federal House of Representatives, and former National President of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Rt. Hon. (Comrade) Peter Ohiozojeh Akpatason was on Saturday September 7, 2019 decorated as member, Lagos State Scout Council Management Committee and simultaneously promoted as Assistant State Scout Commissioner for Admin and Finance in Lagos State Scout Council.
Thanking the association for the honour, Apkatason, a lawmaker representing Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency, affirmed that one of the ways to address the spate of social vices in the country is to engage youths in scouting acknowledging that the scout movement was notable for preaching strong values.
He blamed the moral decadence and prevalence of crimes such as Internet fraud, especially among the youth, on deviation from the societal values and ethos. The lawmaker also promised to support the Bill being sponsored by the Scout Movement in the National Assembly and how it could gained physical presence at the institution.
Felicitating with Akpatason, an astute trade unionist at the investiture ceremony was the current National President of NUPENG), Comrade (Prince) Williams Akporeha.
”Today, I am particularly excited that I’m part of this deserving honour that was bestowed on my Senior brother, mentor and friend, Hon (Comrade) Akpatason. He is a great man who left enduring and enviable legacies in NUPENG. For some of us who followed him closely when he was NUPENG President, we would always love to be identified with him anywhere he is being honoured.
This honour is not just for him alone but for all of us he had mentored. I therefore appeal to stakeholders across board to revive Scout movement at Primary and Secondary school levels. it is an organization with global recognition and capacity to develop the youths into good citizenship, chivalrous behaviour, and skill in various outdoor activities” he said.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Scout Commissioner, Alhaji Olohuntoyin Adebesin on his part disclosed that the core value of the association was to instill moral values in youths and make them better leaders for societal good.
Adebesin pointed out that scouting had produced renowned leaders in the world, including an erstwhile President of the United States, Barack Obama, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo among others.
He said, “Scouting changes the view of the youths and make them better leaders. It is because we don’t create time to engage the youths that we are facing major vices here and there. If we engage them and redirect their energy towards something that will benefit them, we will have a better society.”
Hon Akpatason, clad in full uniform of the Scout was officially decorated by Engineer Gilbert Akinlawon alongside with Lagos State Scout Commissioner, Alhaji Adebesin and Mrs Onome John.
Others in attendance were Deputy President of NUPENG, Comrade Solomon Kilanko, Branch Chairman of SUTAKEP, Comrade Israel Omokero, National Security Adviser, Comrade Roland Abu, Chairman Lagos/Warri Zonal Council of NUPENG, Comrade Tayo Aboyeji, Comrade Iyere Innocent, Mr Simon Ogie, a Shell Manager (Finance), Deputy General Secretary of NUPENG (Finance/Account), Comrade Anthony Chukwu.
Also in attendance were Principal Assistant General Secretary in charge of Research and Public Affairs, Comrade Adamson Momoh, Head of Lagos Zone, Comrade Lanre Badmus, Comrade Emmanuel Ajibulu, Senior Organising Secretary (Media/Publicity), Olusoga Shofolahan, as well as family members, friends and well wishers.
