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Lagos Tanker Explosion: Pregnant Woman, Driver Burnt To Death; 6 Vehicles, Goods Destroyed

Published

6 years ago

January 31, 2019

By Lukman Amusa

An unidentified pregnant woman and a driver were burnt beyond recognition yesterday, after a truck loaded with 33,000 litres of petroleum product exploded at Barracks Bus Stop, along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway., office complex . The fate of another female victim, who sustained severe burns from the resultant fire, still hung in the balance, as doctors at a private hospital around Onireke, were battling to resuscitate her alongside six other victims, who sustained varying degrees of burns. Also destroyed were six vehicles and goods worth several millions of naira. The incident occurred at about 4a.m., after the truck which was heading inward Iyana-Oba, somersaulted while trying to navigate a failed portion of the expressway at Barracks Bus Stop, spilling its content on the on the road and igniting. The fire affected vehicles that were behind the truck. Among the affected vehicles was a truck conveying power generating sets. The pregnant woman, a trader, Vanguard gathered, was in a cab loaded with cartoons of frozen fish. She was burnt alongside the driver. Victims’ attempt to escape Eyewitnesses said some motorists, who were on fire, put up spirited efforts to stay alive as they kept running, looking for flood water to plunge into. An eyewitness, who simply gave his name as Mr. Mmaduabuchukwu Onyesi, said the rain could not stop the rampaging inferno. He said one of the victims that were on fire fell inside flood water, which unknown to him was filled with the combustible substance. He said: “The fire on her increased. But she still managed to get up and ran until she became weak and laid on the ground. By then, another driver, who had fire extinguisher in his car, rushed to where she was and sprayed it on her. Though the fire went out, she was unconscious.” The accident brought traffic on the ever-busy expressway to a halt, forcing commuters to come down from public vehicles and trek across the scene of the accident to continue their journey. When Vanguard visited the scene, rescue operators had condoned off the route. Among them were fire service officials, as well as those from Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA; Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA; military personnel from Ojo Barracks and Policemen. Some persons, who claimed to be relatives of those burnt, were sighted at the scene. They demanded to take the charred remains for burial according to Islamic rites, but refused to speak with Vanguard when approached. Emergency workers Speaking with Vanguard, Head of Operations of the Lagos State Fire Service, Ojo Station, Mrs. Bolanle Kasumu, said: “I don’t know how it happened. I received a call from the DPO in charge of Onireke by 4:30a.m., that there was a fire outbreak and within five minutes, my men and I were at the scene. “The inferno was still raging. But we have been able to bring it under control so that it doesn’t spread to residential buildings. We have been working here since 4:35a.m. “When we got here the tanker and other vehicles were in flames and the container was also burning. It was like the tanker driver was trying to manoeuvre, but owing to the situation of the road, it fell.” Also, Assistant Commandant, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Iba Unit, Joe Ogar, said: “Two lives were lost, six vehicles were burned and property worth millions destroyed in the fire. “As you can see the situation is already under control, but from what we gathered the fire started after a tanker carrying PMS fell, spilling it contents. “My men, alongside personnel of other traffic agencies, got to work immediately we arrived the scene. The other victim has been taken to Onireke Hospital behind the Police Station. …blame on govt Residents said a similar incident occurred recently at same spot. But in that case, no life was lost. A truck loaded with petroleum product heading inward Badagry, fell, spilling its contents. Although no life was lost but motorists and commercial motorcyclists were prevented from taking the route in order to avoid the situation from escalating. Motorists spent several hours on the road as they were prevented from moving on both sides of the expressway. One angry resident, Mr. Mojeed Saliu, blamed the situation on what he described as insensitivity of government. He said: “The two incidents on this particular spot were caused by bad road. Must people die before government rises to its responsibility? “Ordinarily, people go through hell daily, owing to the perennial gridlock as a result of this failed section of the road. “In fact, we have resorted to taking motorbikes, which is twice the normal price. Government should come to our aid before this spot consumes more people.”

Related Topics:Featured Lagos Tanker Explosion

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ASR AFRICA HOLDS GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR A N250 MILLION ABDUL SAMAD RABIU MEDICAL SCIENCE LABOURATORY FOR CRESCENT UNIVERSITY

Published

2 weeks ago

February 26, 2025

august24admin

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

ASR Africa has commenced the construction of a N250 Million medical science laboratory for Crescent University, Abeokuta in Ogun State.

From Right: Mr. G. T. Ogunmefun (University Acting Bursar); Barr. A. M. Ajiobla, SAN (Proprietor); Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila (Vice- Chancellor); Dr. Ubon Udoh (MD/CEO, ASR Africa); Barr. Z. A. Ajibola (Registrar) and Prof. M. K. Momodu (Dean, College of Law) at the ground breaking ceremony of the Medical Science Laboratory for Crescent University, Abeokuta.

August24news.com gathered that the laboratory will enhance the capacity of the institution in meeting the National Development Plans and Transformational Agenda (NDTA) of the Federal Government of Nigeria, whilst filling the gap created by laboratory scientists who have left the country recently.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, expressed gratitude for the institution’s nomination by ASR Africa under its Tertiary Education Grant Scheme (TEGs).

He applauded ASR Africa for the award of the grant and noted that the project is the university’s topmost priority, considering its drive to expand its College of Health Sciences programs.

In his response, the MD CEO of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, commended the management of the university for their academic achievements and systematic growth which is evident by the addition of three new colleges recently.

These colleges include the College of Environmental Sciences (COES), Bola Ajibola College of Law (BACOLAW) and the College of Health Sciences (COHES). Dr Udoh reiterated the commitment of ASR Africa in ensuring a timely completion of the project.

The N250 Million grant will provide fixtures and fittings for the medical science laboratory which features a 300 sitting capacity auditorium, offices for Head of Departments and lecturers, lecture /seminar rooms.

It will also cater as laboratories facility for Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Biology, Hematology, Pharmacology/Therapeutics and Chemical Pathology.

The ASR Africa Tertiary Education Grant Scheme is targeted at supporting quality education within the tertiary education system in Nigeria and so far over 30 tertiary institutions in Nigeria have benefitted from this grant which ranges from N250 million to N 2 billion.

ABOUT ASR AFRICA
The brainchild of African Industrialist, Philanthropist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting Health, Education and Social Development within Africa.

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Seplat Energy Clinches ‘Deal of the Year’ at New Telegraph Award

Published

2 weeks ago

February 26, 2025

august24admin

Seplat Energy Clinches ‘Deal of the Year’ at New Telegraph Award

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Seplat Energy Plc, a leading Nigerian energy company listed on both the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the London Stock Exchange, has clinched the ‘Deal of the Year’ Award at the recently held New Telegraph Newspaper Awards.

L-R: Stanley Opara, Manager Corporate Communications, Seplat Energy; Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos State Commissioner for Information & Strategy; and Adebowale Eboda, Associate General Counsel Corporate & Compliance, Seplat Energy at the New Telegraph Newspapers Awards where Seplat Energy clinched the ‘Deal of the Year Award’ in Lagos … on Friday.

Seplat Energy completed the deal on the acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited – renamed Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU) from ExxonMobil in December 2024.

The Award ceremony was not just a ceremony but a heartfelt tribute to outstanding organisations and individuals that have made significant contributions across various sectors, including governance, business, education, and technology. The event honoured those who have excelled in their fields and inspired others through their work.

In his remarks, the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of the New Telegraph Newspaper, Mr Ayodele Aminu, said: “Tonight, we celebrate not just achievements but the transformative power of love, dedication to work, those who have transcended expectations, those who have defied barriers and inspired digital growth and made extraordinary waves and impact in their various fields.”

“The true essence of these awards lies not in accolades or trophies, but in the enduring impact of each orgnanisation and individual’s contributions,” Aminu said, urging awardees to continue to push boundaries and inspire others for greater heights.

The MPNU deal was transformative for Seplat Energy, with the capacity of more than doubling production and positioning the Company to drive growth and profitability, whilst contributing significantly to Nigeria’s future prosperity.

The completion of the acquisition has created Nigeria’s leading independent energy company, with the enlarged company having equity in 11 blocks (onshore and shallow water Nigeria); 48 producing oil and gas fields; 5 gas processing facilities; and 3 export terminals.

The acquisition of the entire issued share capital of MPNU adds the following assets to the Seplat Group: 40% operated interest in OML 67, 68, 70 and 104; 40% operated interest in the Qua Iboe export terminal and the Yoho FSO; 51% operated interest in the Bonny River Terminal (‘BRT’) NGL recovery plant; 9.6% participating interest in the Aneman-Kpono field; and approximately 1,000 staff and 500 contractors have transitioned to the Seplat Group.

This strongly connects to Seplat Energy’s mission of delivering value to all its stakeholders, and building a sustainable business that can deliver affordable, accessible and reliable energy for Nigeria.

Responding, Seplat Energy thanked the New Telegraphy Newspapers for its recognition whilst lauding the Newspaper’s commitment to excellence and professionalism. “At Seplat Energy we are proud of the contributions we can make to improving affordable energy access for Nigerians through the safe, responsible development of Nigeria’s oil and gas reserves,” it added.

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Olusunle, Now Fellow Nigerian Mining & Geosciences Society (FNMGS)

Published

2 weeks ago

February 26, 2025

august24admin

…As Society Celebrates 64 Years of Existence

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

A research Director of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Engr. Dr. Samuel Olugbenga O. Olusunle has been conferred with the prestigious Fellow of Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (FNMGS), one of the oldest professional bodies in the history of Nigeria.

NASENI Research Director, Engr. Dr Samuel Olugbenga O. Olusunle, FNMGS, (right) receiving the Conferment Award plaque and Certificate from Prof. Akinade Sadrach Olatunji, the President of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society(NMGS)(left) during the Awards Night which took place at the Chida International Hotels Abuja on Wednesday 19 February 2025.

The Nigeria’s late sage, Pan Africanist and President during the First Nigerian Republic Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was the first patron of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society.

The Society yesterday in Abuja concluded its 60^th Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE), and it was time for the body to honour and recognize its members who had contributed tremendously not only to the growth and development of the Mining and Geosciences profession in the country, but the accomplishments of the honourees having direct bearing on the general socio-economic development of the country.

The event which was held between 16^th to 19^th February 2025 at the Chida International Hotel Abuja, came to a climax with Awards Night and recognition. Dr. Olusunle and 42 other members were honoured with the prestigious fellow category, which is the highest election attainable in society.

This conferment has added new appellation to Engr.Dr. Olusunle’s name as FNMGS. In 1977, the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) succeeded the Nigerian Mining Geological and Metallurgical Society (NMGMS) which was founded on 15th January 1961 and officially inaugurated on 17th December, 1962.

The society is an international professional organization. Its Objectives include: Advancement and practice of Mining, Earth sciences and Metallurgy, Acquisition, preservation and dissemination of mining geoscientific and metallurgical knowledge, publication of an interdisciplinary learned journal of Mining and Geology (JMG), the CRUST, periodicals and specialized books including annual books of abstracts and programmes of the society’s conferences and activities and upholding the ethics and safeguarding the interests of the professionals covered by the society.

The society also has statutory representation in the council of the Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG) established by the Federal republic of Nigeria Decree No. 40 of 1990. The categories of membership are Fellow, Corporate, Graduate, Students, Affiliate, Institutional and Honorary fellow, the highest of all is the Fellow category.

When asked to speak on the significance of the society’s recognition to him and NASENI where he serves as Director Research, a highly elated Olusunle had this to say: “I give God the glory and I am really humbled to be elected FELLOW of NMGS. It should be noted that the mandate of NASENI and the core concerns of NMGS are knittingly related. NASENI has one of its institutes operating within the purview of solid minerals exploitation (SOMMEDI).

NASENI also under wonderful leadership of the EVC/CEO, Khalil S. Halilu, is actively involved in the CNG project of the Federal Government. These and other notable activities/intervention of NASENI are collaborative windows between the agency and NMGS”.

Before he became research director, Dr. Olusunle was former Managing Director, Engineering Materials Development Institute (EMDI) Akure, one of NASENI Development Institutes. Also, he is a FELLOW of the Nigeria Institute of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE), the Materials Science and Technology Society of Nigeria (MSN), the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), The Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM), The Nigerian Metallurgical Society (NMS)and many others.