IduwiniVoice

Drilling Platform Fire: IYC Tasks Britannia-U to Take Responsibility, Action After Incident

Following a fact-finding mission to the Ajakpa Field (OML 90) drilling platform of  Britannia-U Nigeria Limited;

1. The Ijaw Youth Council, Western Zone, embodies the lamentations of Ijaw communities in Ogulagha Kingdom and its environment that are affected by the fire incident at the Ajakpa Field (OML 90) drilling platform of  Britannia-U Nigeria Limited, 10.77 nautical miles south of Forcados Terminal in Delta State, Nigeria, which occured on Thursday, July 18, 2024.

2. The IYC Western Zone expresses concern that more than 72 hours after the unfortunate incident that has attracted widespread attention, the facility remains in flames.

3. While we sympathize with the company over the sad incident resulting to losses, we condemn in strong terms the level of negligence displayed by Britannia-U Nigeria Limited in the face of potential escalation

4. We have it in good authority that the havoc-wrecking inferno could have been avoided if the company had prioritized the welfare of our people by sustaining regular maintenance and repair measures.

5. The IYC Western Zone calls on Britania-U to with immediate effect put off the flames at the facility to avert wrecking further havoc that could arise from the incident site.

6. The IYC Western Zone witnessed with utmost dismay the level at which spilt crude oil content has overtaken the River Forcados once again.

7. Suffice to say that the River Forcados is not only a body of water but a lifeblood of numerous communities, providing essential resources and serving as a vital source of livelihood. The recent incident poses a great threat to the environmental health and economic well-being of communities situated along the River Forcados.

8. That Britannia-U Nigeria Limited should urgently implement actionable strategies to mitigate the impending harsh effects as a result of the incident by providing relief materials to its host – Ogulagha Kingdom, and other communities exposed to these challenges.

9. That failure of Britannia-U Nigeria Limited to address the aforementioned resulting effects of the explosion and appropriate compensation according to international practice would be perceived as a slight and disregard for the welfare of residents of affected communities, that would not be tolerated.

10. Until appropriate remedial measures are effected in full adequacy, the IYC Western Zone will continue to hold Britannia-U Nigeria Limited accountable.

11. Emphatically, we demand utmost accountability and immediate action from Britannia-U Nigeria Limited to restore the River Forcados to a liveable condition.

Signed

Comrade Nicholas Igarama
Chairman, IYC Western Zone

Barr. Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo
Secretary, IYC Western Zone

Tare Magbei
Information Officer, IYC Western Zone


© Source: Daily Report 2024

ALIKO DANGOTE IS A TITAN THAT GOD CREATED SPECIALLY FOR MANKIND – FEMI OTEDOLA

By Tobouke JEMINE

Following the recent dispute between the Dangote Refinery and some regulatory agencies, the Nigerian business mogul , philanthropist, former chairman of Forte Oil PLC, and current executive chairman of Geregu Power PLC, has punched in in defence of Aliko Dangote.

Read his reaction below:


My brother, the Visionary, has built the largest single train refinery in the world, not in Kano, but in Lagos State. He is the owner of the second-largest sugar refinery in the world, also in Lagos State, and the largest cement factory in the world, not in Kano, but in Kogi State.

Additionally, he has established one of the second-largest fertilizer plants in the world, soon to surpass the biggest one in Qatar, also in Lagos State. Furthermore, he has built a fertilizer plant in Lagos that already exports globally. Aliko Dangote is a titan that God created specially for mankind.

Aliko Dangote is also the largest private sector employer of labor in the country, and his companies are among the largest taxpayers. In fact, the Dangote Group often pays more in taxes than the top banks combined.

If not for him, we would still be importing cement. His contributions extend beyond industrial facilities to critical infrastructure, having built major roads such as the Apapa Oshodi-Owonrosoki Express Road, Wharf Road, and the Obajana-Kabba Road.

Countries in the nascent stages of industrialization require visionary leaders. This is why it’s no surprise that the United States was built by the vision and tenacity of a few remarkable individuals—Cornelius Vanderbilt, John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan, and Henry Ford—THE MEN WHO BUILT America’s industrial landscape.

These men left the world without these assets but left behind a legacy that has kept their country thriving generation after generation. Their contributions were immortalized not in the material wealth they amassed but in the enduring institutions and industries they established. These visionaries were also supported by their government, which recognized the importance of fostering local champions.

Similarly, today’s tech giants like Microsoft and Tesla received substantial support from the US government. For example, in January 2010, the Department of Energy issued a $465 million loan to Tesla Motors to produce specially designed, all-electric plug-in vehicles and to develop a manufacturing facility in Fremont, California to produce battery packs, electric motors, and other powertrain components for powering these innovative vehicles. This initiative is part of broader efforts, such as the federal EV-charging program supported by the infrastructure law known as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, or NEVI.

In India, the government has been instrumental in supporting business titans like Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani. Their companies have received significant backing to grow and expand, contributing substantially to India’s economic growth and global business footprint.

There are also records of emerging market countries like Vietnam, South Africa, Brazil, and China where their governments have supported local businesses to jump-start industrialization. In Vietnam, the government has provided various incentives to tech companies, fostering a rapidly growing technology sector.

In South Africa, government support for the mining industry has been crucial in maintaining its global competitiveness. Brazil has seen substantial government investment in its agricultural sector, transforming it into one of the world’s leading food exporters. In China, government backing for companies like Huawei and Alibaba has propelled them to global leadership in technology and e-commerce.

In Nigeria, we have our own titans, and it is imperative that we recognize and support them. Aliko Dangote has broken every boundary in worldwide business and industry. His contributions are not just a testament to his brilliance but a beacon of what is possible when vision meets opportunity. Supporting local champions like Dangote is crucial for our national development and economic independence. Let us continue to foster and support these visionaries who drive our nation’s progress…

REPS CALL FOR SUSPENSION OF NMDPRA BOSS OVER ALLEGATIONS AGAINST DANGOTE REFINERY

By Tobouke JEMINE

The House of Representatives has called for the suspension of Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), pending an investigation into his statements about Dangote Refinery.

This decision follows a motion by Esosa Iyawe, representing Esosa Federal Constituency, Edo State. Iyawe highlighted concerns over fuel quality in the Nigerian market, emphasizing the impact of high sulphur content on engines and pollution.

Contrary to Farouk’s claims that Dangote’s diesel is inferior with high sulphur content, tests showed Dangote’s diesel has significantly lower sulphur levels compared to imported diesel.

Lawmakers criticized Farouk’s statements and are investigating his allegations and the presence of middlemen in crude trading.