Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has hailed Ejiro Otarigho, driver of the petroleum tanker that exploded on Saturday at Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area, for his uncommon heroism that averted a major disaster.
Okowa, in a statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika, said Otarigho’s bravery and patriotism-propelled risk saved what might have resulted in colossal loss of lives and property.
He expressed deep appreciation to Otarigho for his discretion in steering the burning tanker, laden with petroleum product, away from a densely populated area, at the risk of his life, describing his valour as ‘amazing’.
According to Okowa, this act of bravery and compassion in today’s Nigeria is without equivocation, worthy of commendation and emulation.
The statement reads: “Yesterday (Saturday), a tanker laden with diesel caught fire at Agbarho community, but for the uncommon bravery and heroism exhibited by the driver, Ejiro Otarigho, houses and probably lives, would have been lost to the inferno.
“We were delighted to hear of the gallantry of the driver who took the initiative and risk to drive the tanker away from densely populated area to a secluded area before the tanker finally exploded.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I commend Mr. Otarigho for what our God used him to do– saving lives and property by his heroic action. In a country plagued by challenges of varying dimensions, such acts of bravery are commendable and worthy of emulation.
“As a government, we thank Otarigho for this great act of putting the lives of others first before his, and we thank God for saving him from the inferno. We are proud of you and we urge other Deltans and Nigerians to emulate your heroic acts in all their activities.”