By ONYEKACHUKWU MELUWA, Warri
Host communities to Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) Limited in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, have called for continuos engagement of communities to oil and gas facilities, as it was the only way to guarantee the safety of such critical assets.
The Traditional ruler of Avhianwu Clan, Etsako Central Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty. Alhaji Jackson Aberewire Etokhanh, The Ogie-Avhanwu of Avhianwu Clan, made the call at a sensitization campaign on the dangers of encroachment of right right of way of gas pipeline and vandalism organised by NGC, held in Fugar.
Alhaji Etokhanh, commended the management of NGC for bringing the enlightenment campaign to the people, saying that it would change the perception and attitude of their citizens towards not only NGC facilities but to both local, state and federal infrastructures located in their domain.
He said, “What happened here at the palace of HRH, Engr. Emma Ogah Okpre -Ukpi of Ivinone Sub-Clan. (Fugar) Edo State, is a welcome idea. It will inform the people out there living around Gas pipelines of the danger of living close to gas pipeline. It will also expose them to safety tips on how they should approach such infrastructures.”
“We are farmers and we are in the rural area and gas pipelines passes through this communities. If NGC has been doing this, the question to right of way would not have come in. But, I am happy today that NGC has brought the information to my people, we the community heads we will work this out. “
“To give information to our subjects so that they will prevent anything danger that would happen to our people. Thus, this is really good and welcome idea. I love it and I encourage NGC to keep it up. ‘
‘I am appealing to NGC to make this enlightenment /campaign quarterly as it will be good and will also prevent life’s from been lost if made quarterly. And I enjoin veryone that lives around /close to gas pipeline to know the danger in which they live with. ” On his part, the Managing Director of NGC, Warri. Engr, Seyi Omotowa. Said that “it is dangerous and criminal act to encroach and vandalize gas pipeline.
He also said that, “fire from gas do not know anything/person. If it starts in your house, before fire service will come, the damages must have gone far and sometimes lost of lives,”
“If you see something, say it, some people will see their friends, love ones and family in danger, by playing on top gas pipeline but they will not do anything. Some of them will even be digging hole in the name of looking for animals. “
“We are pleading with you, to always talk to your children. For those who have buildings on top gas pipeline before this time, please know that it is dangerous. Do not give room for fire incident to start. Stay away form fire.”
“We are here to enlighten the people of this community on the danger of Gas pipeline encroachment and vandalism. We came here to do this as the results of any gas fire incident pipeline is always strong. Please help us to take this message to your people that are not here.”
The highpoint of the enlightenment campaign was a rally of members of of the various kingdoms who turned for the exercise round major roads in Fugar metropolis.
