Tanker Explosion: NOA Urges LG Officers to Intensify Risk Mitigation Awareness Campaigns
From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
The State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Jigawa State, Mallam Ahmed Tijjani Ibrahim, has called on Community Orientation and Mobilization Officers (COMOs) across the 27 Local Government Areas of the state to launch extensive awareness campaigns on emergency risk mitigation.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Mallam Ibrahim and shared with journalists by the Head of Media and Communication, NOA Jigawa State, Sarah Ogodo.
Speaking during an emergency meeting with the COMOs in his office, Mallam Ibrahim expressed concern over the recent petrol tanker explosion in Niger State, which claimed several lives and left many injured. He condemned the recurrent loss of lives due to the dangerous practice of scooping petrol from fallen tankers, attributing it to ignorance and a decline in societal values.
He referenced a similar incident in Majia community, Jigawa State, which also resulted in tragic losses, emphasizing that such experiences should serve as a deterrent.
“The tragic event in Majia community should remind citizens of the dangers of scooping petrol from fallen tankers. NOA remains committed to mobilizing and sensitizing the public on positive behavior change, the risks of such practices, and appropriate responses during emergencies,” he stated.
Mallam Ibrahim highlighted the attitudinal challenges facing the country, noting that many of them stem from the erosion of core societal values. To address this, NOA has introduced a value reorientation program, the National Identity Project (NIP), aimed at promoting responsible citizenship.
He also urged stakeholders and relevant agencies to collaborate with NOA in its mission to build a peaceful and progressive society. He stressed the importance of discouraging youths and other citizens from engaging in hazardous activities like fuel pilfering and other anti-development behaviors.
The NOA Director outlined the immediate and long-term risks of fuel scooping, including: Explosion and fire hazards, Environmental damage such as soil and water contamination, Harm to aquatic life and ecosystems and Air pollution, which exacerbates respiratory and other health issues.
Mallam Ibrahim reiterated NOA’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians through sustained public education and value reorientation campaigns.
