Nigerian tanker driver saves state by averting a fire catastrophe

The Council of the Union of Journalists of Nigeria expressed their gratitude to the driver of the tanker, whose name is Ejiro Otarigo, for preventing a fire in the Agbarho region of the state.

The driver decided to risk his own life to put out the fire that could have a significant impact on the whole state.

A statement signed by the State NUJ Chairman and Secretary said the tanker driver chose to be patriotic at a time when most Nigerians had lost hope in a dear nation.

“In a situation like this, other drivers would have abandoned the already burning truck laden with diesel on the road; and thereby causing a disaster that would have definitely affected other road users and even lives and properties within that vicinity,” the Union said.

According to the statement, “the tanker driver, Mr Otarigho, in that pathetic state of mind, made up his mind to perish in the fire until he had driven the fire engulfed truck out of the human-populated environment to the river”.

The NUJ stated further, “We give glory to God Almighty that he didn’t die, but survived to tell his heroic story.

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On that note, the council calls on the federal, Delta State, and North Ughelli local governments to honor and compensate this young man.

His effort saved the state so much, otherwise, if the incident had occurred, the state would have counted its losses in the form of human casualties and destroyed property.

The NUJ added: “On our part as a Union and mirror of society, the young Otarigho is our man of the year, and at the appropriate time, we will honor him to prove to the world that there are still patriotic ordinary Nigerians. People like him are those that truly deserve media awards. We are really proud of him.”