Business
NUPENG Wants Protection Of Oil Workers
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), has urged the Federal Government to give adequate protection to oil workers returning from the field to prevent being kidnapped.
The President of NUPENG, Mr Igwe Achese, made the plea recently in Lagos.
He condemned the kidnapping of 14 oil workers of Nestoil returning from Egbema-Ohaji field to Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, by yet-to-be identified kidnappers.
Achese expressed shock at the act and called on security agencies to spread their dragnet to rescue them unhurt.
“The kidnap is one too many as all hands must be on deck to protect the lives of oil workers, especially those working in installations.
“We are, therefore, worried about the attack which has made oil workers endangered species, the NUPENG boss said.
Achese said that the recent kidnapping of the workers would further scare foreign investors that would want to bring in the needed foreign capital and expertise to expand on projects in the sector.
He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the kidnapped workers alive to rejoin their families with no ransom paid.
The NUPENG chief said that security operatives should also ensure that the culprits are arrested and punished to serve as a deterrent.
He urged the government to address economic downturn to ameliorate the current unemployment in the country.
Achese also advised those involved in the act to retrace their steps and find something meaningful to do.
“It is the duty of the government to reflate the economy, repair dilapidated infrastructure, assist small-scale business enterprises and ensure that restive youths are engage.
Kenya made it a clean sweep at the Berlin Marathon with Sabastian Sawe winning the men’s race and Rosemary Wanjiru triumphing in the women’s.
Sawe finished in two hours, two minutes and 16 seconds to make it three wins in his first three marathons.
The 30-year-old, who was victorious at this year’s London Marathon, set a sizzling pace as he left the field behind and ran much of the race surrounded only by his pacesetters.
Japan’s Akasaki Akira came second after a powerful latter half of the race, finishing almost four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele followed in third.
“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” said Sawe.
“I am so happy for this year. I felt well but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”
Sawe had Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35 in his sights when he reached halfway in 1:00:12, but faded towards the end.
In the women’s race, Wanjiru sped away from the lead pack after 25 kilometers before finishing in 2:21:05.
Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed three seconds behind Wanjiru, with Azmera Gebru, also of Ethiopia, coming third in 2:21:29.
Wanjiru’s time was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, which she set in Chicago in 2024.
