By Princess Don, Uyo.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged the general public to embrace safety, discouraging the dangerous practice of scooping petrol from crashed tankers, following several fatal accidents across Nigeria.
During a press briefing in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, the Director of the NOA in the state, expressed concern over the rising number of lives lost in tanker accidents involving petrol theft.
“Scooping petrol is not only illegal, but it is also extremely dangerous,” Mkpoutom said. “We urge residents to avoid the temptation. If you see petrol spilling from a crashed tanker, do not attempt to collect it. Run for your life.”
While the incidents have not yet occurred in Akwa Ibom, Mkpoutom emphasized the importance of proactive education to prevent any future occurrences in the state. He stressed that the practice, though widespread, often results in fatal explosions and loss of property.
In addition to addressing petrol scooping, Mkpoutom commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for its rapid response to a recent cholera outbreak in the Emeroke community, located in the Eastern Obolo Local Government Area.
He attributed the outbreak to poor sanitation and a lack of access to clean water. He advised residents to avoid open defecation and improve personal hygiene, emphasizing that cholera can be easily prevented by maintaining proper sanitation.
“Cholera is not airborne,” Mkpoutom explained. “It spreads through contaminated water or food. If we can maintain clean environments and ensure access to clean water, we can avoid further outbreaks.”
Mkpoutom also encouraged the public to report any signs of disease outbreaks to health authorities to ensure swift intervention. He commended the state government’s prompt action in containing the cholera spread.
Furthermore, the NOA Director issued a warning about the dangers posed by the indiscriminate location of gas stations near residential areas. He urged operators to follow safety guidelines and ensure their stations are properly sited to prevent accidents.
As part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness, Mkpoutom emphasized that safety should always be a priority and that every individual must play a role in creating a safer environment for all.
