The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has described former General Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Chief Frank Ovie Kokori as an elder-statesman whose strong leadership, service to the country and inspiring accomplishments are a shining milestones worthy of celebration and emulation.
According to Senator Omo-Agege, the elder-statesman, Chief Kokori has written his name in gold in his service to our fatherland having distinguished himself in various capacities in his service to the nation.
In a special congratulatory message personally signed by the Deputy Senate President to mark Chief Kokori’s birthday, Senator Omo-Agege described the activist as a worthy ambassador not only of his home state, Delta, but also of Nigeria.
According to the lawmaker represents Delta Central at the Upper Legislative Chambers, “Chief Kokori has distinguished himself in the various capacities he has served the country.”
The Deputy Senate President, Omo-Agege who also doubles as chairman of the Senate Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution recalled how Chief Kokori fought alongside other patriotic Nigerians for the enthronement of democracy and was detained for years by the military regime at the time.
He said: “You have led a remarkable life that is great in accomplishments. Through diligence and hard work, you served with distinctions for many years and in different capacities.
“You are one of the shinning lights of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State in particular and Nigeria as a whole and we will continue to tap from your wealth of experience. Your lifelong commitment to the populist cause and progressive ideology of the All Progressive Congress is visible to us all.
“While I thank you for your strong leadership and friendship, please accept my best wishes, not only on this milestone but for the important contributions you have made to our state and country.
“And as you celebrate your birthday, may you be surrounded by the warmth of happy memories.”
While calling on the youth to emulate Chief Kokori’s hard work, diligence and patriotism, Omo-Agege prayed to God to continue to preserve his life.
Chief Kokori who turned 76 on Monday was born on December 7, 1944 in present day Delta State. He attended Urhobo College, Effurun, between 1959-62 and Eko Boys High School, Lagos from 1963 to 1964.
He later proceeded to the University of lbadan where he graduated in 1974, He also has a Masters degree. In his long and distinguished career as an activist, trade unionist and top-grade administrator, Chief Kokori worked in various capacities.
He worked at the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (now National Electric Power Authority, NEPA), Lever Brothers Nigeria Ltd., and later as General Secretary of the National Union of Nigeria Bank Employees, Secretariat, 1975-78.
He was subsequently made National Secretary of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas-Workers(NUPENG), a position he held for a very long time. He was also a member of the Constitution Review Committee of 1987-1988.
