Kehinde Fajobi
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has launched a public awareness campaign in Akwa Ibom State to discourage the dangerous practice of scooping petrol from crashed tankers.
This follows several deadly incidents across the country, including recent explosions in Enugu and Niger States, which claimed the lives of over 100 people.
Speaking to journalists in Uyo on Monday, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, the state director of NOA, urged residents to refrain from engaging in the dangerous activity, which he described as theft.
“Tanker crisis has been a serious concern to the federal government, most especially the after-effects of it because it not only affects the immediate environment but the entire ecosystem and it has caused damage to the economy of this country, and we don’t want it to continue.
“That is why we are talking to people, sensitizing the people that they are dangerous in it. Though the crashes have not happened in Akwa Ibom State, we want to be proactive by advising people to stop scooping and stealing what does not belong to them,” Mkpoutom stated.
He further warned, “We are telling Akwa Ibom people that if it ever happens, please don’t go there. Immediately, you see the product flowing from the tanker, run for your dear life.”
Mkpoutom also addressed the recent cholera outbreak in Emere-oke, Eastern Obolo Local Government Area.
He commended the Akwa Ibom state government for swiftly containing the situation, noting that the outbreak was linked to poor sanitation and lack of clean water.
“Cholera could be prevented as it is not an airborne disease. We want to advise our people against any further outbreak of the disease. We have to be cautious especially those living in the coastal communities, the water they drink, sanitation is important when it comes to the issue of cholera.
“Everyone should have a good toilet system, we have to discourage open defecation and we need to keep where we live clean,” he said.
Mkpoutom also stressed the importance of reporting disease outbreaks promptly to health officials and commended the state government’s rapid intervention.
Additionally, he warned against the indiscriminate placement of gas stations in residential areas, highlighting the risks to public safety.
“Gas stations in residential areas pose a danger to the people, and we urge operators to adhere to the government’s safety guidelines,” he concluded.