PTI Boss Hails Media, Says Society Cannot Exist Without Press

The Principal and Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Engr. Dr. Samuel Onoji, has underscored the critical role of the media in nation-building, declaring that society cannot function without the press.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, to the institute, Onoji said: “The society cannot exist if the press is not there because they report what is happening in the society.”

The PTI boss highlighted the institute’s strategic role in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, noting that it was established in 1972 following Nigeria’s admission into the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

“It was agreed that every member nation should establish a training institute, so the following year, PTI was decreed into existence,” he said.

According to him, PTI has trained generations of skilled manpower for the petroleum industry, including pioneer staff of the Warri and Kaduna refineries, and continues to provide specialised training in critical areas such as underwater welding and dive medic technology through international collaborations.

“We have trained different categories of technicians, many of whom are captains of industry,” Onoji said, adding that the institute also offers consultancy, upskilling and refresher programmes for industry professionals.

Earlier, Chairman of the NUJ Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, Akpokona Omafuaire, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the long-standing relationship between the media and the institute.

He noted that the new leadership of the chapel was committed to deepening collaboration with PTI in the interest of public enlightenment and development.