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

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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.”

 

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Transcorp Group delivers impressive Q1 2024 performance; sustains revenue growth of 173% and PBT of N45 billion

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AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp” or the “Group”), Nigeria’s leading, listed conglomerate with investment in the Power, Hospitality, and Energy sectors, has announced impressive Q1 financial results for the period ended March 31, 2024.


In its Q1 2024 unaudited results, Transcorp reported significant year-on-year growth, with revenue rising to N88.6 billion from N32.4 billion in 2023, representing a 173% increase.


The impressive results are largely driven by a remarkable 209% year-on-year revenue growth within the power business, highlighting significant strategic progress as part of Transcorp Group’s implementation of its integrated power strategy.


The hospitality business recorded a 68% year-on-year growth in revenue, driven by an increase in occupancy rate from 75% to 82% compared to the previous year.


The results show substantial growth across all financial indicators, reinforcing its market leadership and strategic positioning.

Highlight of Transcorp Group Results:
• Q1 2024 Revenue was N88.6 billion, a significant increase of 173%, compared to Q1 2023.


• Operating income increased by 479%, from N8.5 billion in Q1 2023 to N49.1 billion in Q1 2024.


• Operating expenses saw an increase of 40% year on year to N8.2 billion in Q1 2024, reflecting the impact of inflation and cost of operations.


• Net finance cost increased by 14% to N3.7 billion in 2024 from N3.2 billion in 2023 due to a slightly higher interest rate review in line with MPR.


• Profit before tax from ordinary business of the Group surged by 1110%, amounting to N34.7 billion in Q1 2024, compared to N2.9 billion in Q1 2023 in the same period last year.


• Profit before tax inclusive of extra ordinary income was N45.7 billion in 2024 compared to N2.9 billion in 2023.


• The Group recorded extra ordinary income of N11 billion during the period from the realised gain from the sale of shares.


• Profit after Tax including the extra ordinary income improved 1832% year-on-year to N35.9 billion in Q1 2024, compared to N1.9 billion in Q1 2023 in the same period last year.


• Earnings per share of the Group was N61.12k in Q1 2024, compared to N2.58k in Q1 2023.


• On the balance sheet, total assets grew by 8.3%, from N530 billion in December 2023 to N574 billion in Q1 2024 due to the increase in operational activities.


• Shareholders’ funds increased by 20% from N187billion in December 2023 to N224 billion at the end of Q1 2024 due to profit accreted to retained earnings.

In response to the results, Dr. Owen D. Omogiafo, President/Group Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp, commented, “Our Q1 2024 results demonstrates Transcorp Group’s resilience and commitment to excellence.

Despite the challenges, we achieved growth across all major indices, focusing on operational efficiency at both our power plants, and maximising opportunities within our hospitality business, showing our ability to adapt and succeed in changing markets.

We will continue to deliver sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and value for our shareholders.”


This robust achievement is a further demonstration of the Group’s strategic focus and effective execution. Transcorp is dedicated to its transformation agenda, emphasising sustained growth and a relentless pursuit of long-term value for shareholders.

About Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Plc)
Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group) is a leading, listed African conglomerate, with strategic investments in the power, hospitality, and energy sectors. Driven by its mission to improve lives and transform Africa, Transcorp has built a longstanding reputation for sector transformation, operational excellence, and exceptional financial performance, delivering value to its shareholders.
In the power sector, Transcorp’s businesses – Transcorp Power Plc and Transafam Power – provide over 16% of Nigeria’s installed power capacity.

Through its investments in the energy sector including OPL287, Transcorp is developing Nigeria’s domestic energy value chain.

The Group’s listed hospitality business, Transcorp Hotels Plc, owns the iconic Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria’s flagship hospitality destination, and Aura by Transcorp Hotels, a digital hospitality platform enabling travellers to book accommodation across Africa.

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AEDC Partners with Government and Stakeholders to Tackle Power Challenges in Nasarawa and Niger State.

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AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Amid mounting concerns over erratic power supply in Nasarawa State, Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the electricity challenges facing the region.

Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, Speaker of Nasarawa State House of Assembly (middle), alongside Yakubu Suleiman Umar, GM of Nasarawa Electricity Power Agency (fifth left), and Engr. Johnathan Adeyemi, Chief Business Officer of Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa (KNN) regions (sixth right), and other delegates engaged in a crucial dialogue on electricity service enhancement at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Lafia on April 30th, 2024.

Engr. Jonathan Adeyemi, AEDC’s Chief Business Officer for Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa, represented tye Disco at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly on April 30th, 2024, following its summon by the assembly to address the pressing issues.

Acknowledging the frustrations of residents grappling with inconsistent electricity provision, AEDC assured Niger State’s residents of its proactive measures to ameliorate the situation. Promising increased allocation contingent on national generation improvements, AEDC emphasized its dedication to meeting the energy needs of the community. Engr. Adeyemi also urged residents to embrace the deregulation of prepaid meters to expedite their deployment, thus facilitating more efficient monitoring and management of electricity consumption.

During constructive discussions with representatives from the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, both entities resolved to collaborate towards enhancing customer satisfaction and improved service delivery.

In Niger State, AEDC is working to proactively ensure the safety and security of its personnel and infrastructure. Engr. Samuel Odekina, the Niger State Regional Manager and his team, paid a courtesy visit to key law enforcement officials, including the Commissioner of Police, Niger State, CP Ebenezer Danmamman, and the Commandant of NSCDC Niger State Command, Cmdr. Joachin Okafor, on April 26th, 2024. The aim was to foster a conducive environment for reliable electricity supply by addressing pertinent security concerns.

Through continued dialogue and cooperation among AEDC, government agencies, and customers, there exists a shared determination to surmount challenges and improve the electricity landscape in both Niger and Nasarawa state respectively.

Customers were advised to escalate all electricity-related issues via AEDC’s social media platforms or its offices for technical or commercial support.

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Tree4Life Project: NEPL/Seplat JV, Edo Sign Reforestation Agreement

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AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The NNPC Exploration and Production Ltd/Seplat Energy Joint Venture and the Edo State Government have signed an agreement that will see the state government allocate 6,000 hectares of land from its protected forest reserves to enable a large-scale tree planting initiative by Seplat Energy Plc.

This is in furtherance to the Seplat Tree4Life Initiative and the Edo State Government’s identification of the need to increase forest cover and carbon sequestration efforts within the region.

Seplat Energy has been selected as the partner to implement this reforestation project, which aims to plant millions of indigenous trees on the allocated land over the next five (5) years. This project represents a significant investment in environmental conservation and sustainable development for the state.

Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony, which happened in Edo State Government House, the Managing Director, Seplat West Limited, Seplat Energy, Ayodele Olatunde, said the partnership will contribute in the global efforts around mitigating the effects of climate change, whilst providing economic, social, health and other environmental benefits to the region.

“This will stir more advocacy as far as climate change is concerned and put the Edo State Government with the Seplat JV on the map as change agents. The partnership is well aligned with our Tree4Life Initiative and has the capacity to boost our economy and the environment; advance our soil health and drive carbon capture; preserve our ecosystem; enhance biodiversity; create jobs; conserve our forests; and promote physical and mental wellbeing of our people,” Olatunde said.

The Commissioner for Environment & Sustainability, Edo State, Joshua Omokhodion, said the synergy between Edo State and the Seplat JV is a huge attempt at mitigating the impacts of climate change in Nigeria. “Beyond the economics of this move, the science of it is very important to us because it is an attempt to deliberately create an ambience that will be conducive for humans and other creatures here.”

The Director, External Affairs & Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, in her address, thanked the Edo State Government for partnering with the NEPL/Seplat JV on this sustainable journey of reforestation.  She said: “This will drive forward our shared goals of environmental conservation and sustainable land use.

“These 6,000 hectares of land being allocated today, we believe, will provide a major boost to efforts at increasing tree cover and also to sequester carbon in our region. We believe also that this will not only tackle climate change, but will promote the local economy as well as local wildlife. The agreement demonstrates the NEPL/Seplat JV strong commitment to supporting impactful environmental projects.

The Managing Director, NEPL, Nicolas Foucart, represented by Mr. Uzoma Ezulu, DM Operations Management Seplat, NEPL, said the partnership between the state government and NEPL/Seplat JV is a laudable response to the global warming crisis. “The world is turning around for the worst; human activities in the name of development have done more harm than good to the environment. The Tree4Life project, therefore, is a conservative effort for all of us,” he said. Teasoo Consulting Limited was also among the facilitators of the agreement signing ceremony.

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