Dr. Samuel Onoji, Principal of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, has expressed his gratitude to the Uvwie Kingdom for fostering peace, stability, and progress within the institution.
He shared these sentiments on Thursday, October 16, 2025, while receiving members of the Uvwie General Improvement Union (UGIU) Worldwide during a courtesy visit.
Onoji, recognizing that Uvwie Kingdom serves as the primary host for the federal government institution, expressed appreciation for the Kingdom’s generosity and support.
He also praised HRM Dr. Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso (JP), OON, Abe I—the Ovie (traditional ruler) of Uvwie Kingdom—for his wise and fatherly guidance.
The Principal of PTI expressed deep gratitude to the President General of the Uvwie General Improvement Union (UGIU) Worldwide, High Chief Abovi Hope Erute, and the President General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide, Olorogun Ese Owe Gam, for their strong support in his appointment as the substantive Principal and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the institution.
Earlier, he had also thanked the leadership of Uvwie’s apex socio-cultural body for their visit, noting that it would help further strengthen the already warm relationship between PTI and the Uvwie Kingdom.
In his keynote address, High Chief Abovi Hope Erute, President General of UGIU Worldwide, explained that the primary purpose of the visit was to formally congratulate Dr. Samuel Onoji on his confirmation as the Principal and CEO of PTI by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT).
While thanking PTI for its consistent financial support of the annual Uvwie Day celebration, Erute noted that another reason for the visit was to formally request the institution’s support for this year’s event, scheduled for December 26, 2025.
The President General of UGIU Worldwide explained that Uvwie Day is held to promote the identity of the Uvwie people and highlight their rich cultural heritage.
He emphasized the importance of preserving the tradition by ensuring the event continues to be celebrated every year.
High Chief Abovi Hope Erute also mentioned a third reason for the visit — to discuss ways UGIU could explore revenue-generating opportunities in collaboration with PTI.
To that end, he respectfully proposed that PTI consider regularly awarding contracts to the union as a way of supporting local development.
Erute, who also holds the title of Isirerha of Etche R’ Alegbo—a traditional administrative unit in Uvwie Kingdom—added a fourth reason for the visit: the appeal for job slots at PTI to be allocated to qualified Uvwie indigenes.
In response, PTI Principal Dr. Samuel Onoji assured the delegation that the institution would continue to support UGIU in its Uvwie Day celebrations, in line with its corporate social responsibility and within available financial resources.
He also requested that a formal letter be submitted to back the request—and without delay, High Chief Erute presented the letter to him on the spot.
In response to UGIU’s request for contract opportunities, the Principal and CEO of PTI explained that the institution is currently facing financial challenges.
However, he advised the union to formally register as a contractor with PTI, assuring them that once opportunities arise, UGIU would be given favorable consideration for contract awards.
On the issue of employment, he also gave reassurance that qualified Uvwie indigenes would be considered whenever job openings become available at the institution.
Giving the vote of thanks, PTI Registrar Isaac Fregene, who hails from Okpara Inland, suggested that UGIU consider setting up an endowment fund to help strengthen the union’s financial base.
A key highlight of the event was the formal presentation of the request letter by High Chief Abovi Hope Erute to Dr. Samuel Onoji. In return, Dr. Onoji presented PTI’s official news bulletin to High Chief Erute, marking a symbolic exchange between the institution and the union.
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