NGC Sensitises on Dangers Of Pipelines Encroachment In Kogi

From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The Managing Director of Nigerian Gas Company, (NGC), Warri, Delta State, Engr Seyi Omotowa has warned that encroachment on gas pipelines can lead to loss of lives and destruction of property worth millions of naira speedily.

The Director who was represented by the Public Affairs Manager of NGC, Mr Darlington Samuel, gave the warning on Monday at the kick-off of the sensitization campaign against gas pipeline encroachment and vandalism at Ajaokuta council area of Kogi State.

The enlightenment campaign which kicked off from the Palace of the Ohi of Eganyi kingdom, witnessed a road show where the people around the community were sensitized about the dangers involved in encroachment of gas pipelines.

The Director who advised those farming and building houses on gas pipeline right of way to desist from such action, however, noted that encroachment of gas pipelines was not only dangerous but also a crime punishable by the laws of the land.

“As a Federal Government we want to ensure that our property, lives and yours are secured. We all know that this is a Federal Government project and this is why we have come to tell this communities that little action and inaction can lead to disaster and lose of lives.”

“If there is a little gas leak in any of the gas pipelines and we have a little spark of fire around that area, the whole place will be on fire. This is what we are trying to avoid.” He added.

Responding, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Musa Idaho Achuja, the Ohi of Eganyi and Chairman Traditional Council of Ajaokuta Local council “commended Nigerian Gas Company for their enlightenment
adding that NGC is one of the government companies that we have benefitted from greatly.”

“We are happy with the sensitization campaign that they (NGC) have brought to this community and on our part, we will make sure that we carry this campaign to all our communities in the local areas.”

On his part, the youths President of Ajaokuta, Comrade Shaibu Ayimi, also commended NGC for taking out time to explain to the people on the need for them not to encroach on gas pipeline right of way.

He promised to carry the enlightenment campaign to all the nooks and crannies of Ajaokuta so that the people will know the dangers inherent in gas pipeline encroachment.

The campaign train also hit Ohunene community, Ajaokuta, where one of the community leaders, Alhaji Suleiman Sheid, relayed the message of NGC to his people in their dialect.