Tankers Explosion: Jigawa NOA Initiates Campaigns on Emergency Risk Mitigation
By: Ahmed Aminu, Dutse
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Jigawa State has directed it’s personal across 27 local government areas to intensify public awareness campaigns on emergency risk mitigation.
This was contained in a press statement issued in Dutse, the state capital, by the Head of Media and Communication of the agency in the sate, Miss Sarah Ogodo.
She said the state director, Malam Tijjani Ibrahim gave the directives during an emergency meeting with Community Orientation and Mobilization Officers (COMOs) across the 27 Local Government Areas of the state.
The director expressed concern over the recent petrol tanker explosion in Niger State, which claimed several lives and left many injured.
Ibrahim asked the community orientation officers to take the campaign to communities along federal and state highways, and warned them on the dangers of scooping fuel from tankers involved in accident.
He expressed worries on the recent loss of lives due to the dangerous practice of scooping petrol from fallen tankers, in view of the kids of lives as witnessed recently in Niger and Jigawa states.
“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.
Ibrahim highlighted the attitudinal challenges facing the country, noting that many of them stem from the erosion of core societal values.
To address this, he said 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.
The director 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.
The director reiterated NOA’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians through sustained public education and value reorientation campaigns.
