NUPENG LAGOS ZONAL COUNCIL ANNUAL INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS SEMINAR 2024

By Comrade Suleiman M. Pema

July 17th-18th, 2024,
The NUPENG Lagos Zonal Office successfully hosted its annual workshop training in the historic city of Ibadan, Oyo State. The Industrial Relations Seminar focused on the theme “Unionization and Technological Advancement: Issues and Prospects for Consideration.” The event brought together participants (members), industry experts, and stakeholders to deliberate on critical topics affecting workers in the petroleum and gas sector.

Key Highlights:

1. Opening Address by Comrade Tayo Aboyeji, Chairman Lagos Zonal Council of NUPENG:
– He warmly welcomed all participants, guests, and stakeholders.
– He appreciated the leadership of the Union, ably led by Comrade Williams Akporeha (President) and Comrade Afolabi Olawale (General Secretary), for their unwavering commitment to workers’ education and training.
– Comrade Tayo emphasized the timely nature of this year’s theme, highlighting the role of unions in safeguarding workers’ rights while embracing technological opportunities.
– Challenges faced by workers and proactive strategies to protect their rights will be discussed he stated.

2. Goodwill Messages:
– Goodwill messages were delivered on behalf of the President and General Secretary of the Union, who were unavoidably absent due to pressing national engagements.
– Comrade Modupe Otegbayo (VP Lagos Zone) and Comrade Idahoise Osunbor (SAGS, Admin Head, Lagos Zone) delivered messages on behalf of the President and GeneralSecretary, encouraging participants to pay attention, learn, relearn, and unlearn.
– Leadership from participating formal (TotalEnergies, Chevron, Schlumberger) and informal branches of NUPENG (PTD, OGS, LPGAR, IMB, PSW, SUTAKEP) also conveyed goodwill messages.

3. Pension and Health Education:
Day one commenced with educational sessions on pension and health for the participants.

4. Papers presented- Day One:
– Two papers were presented on day one by:
– Comrade Barrister Femi Aborisade discussed “Technology and Unionization.”
– Comrade Dr. Babatunde Agbi presented on “The Coming Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges.”
– Robust question-and-answer sessions followed each paper.

5. Women Participation:
– The workshop reflected the gender-sensitive nature of the Union, with full representation of women participants.

Day Two:
Arrival of Comrade Dr. Salimon Akanni Oladiti (NUPENG NationalTrustee) and Comrade Solomon Kilanko (NUPENG Dep. President) injected more energy into the participants with their arrival.
Papers were presented by –
– Mr. Adewale Fatai
– Mr. Oluwaseun Adebayo (Discrimination and Gender Based Violence in place of work).
– Dr. Caleb Akinayajo
– Mr. Steve Ayodeji Emmanuel (Leveraging on technologicaladvancements for effective Unionization).
-Happy Birthday Celebration to Comrade Tayo Aboyeji:- The Lagos Zonal Industrial Relations Seminar ended with a carnival like ceremony as dignitaries and participants joined Comrade Tayo Aboyeji ,NUPENG Lagos Zonal Chairman to commemorate his birthday with pomp and pageantry.

Finally, the NUPENG Lagos Zonal Industrial Workshop served as a vital forum for knowledge-sharing, empowerment, and collective action. As we navigate the complexities of our industry, let us remain committed to advancing workers’ rights and embracing technological changes responsibly.