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VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA MOURNS ENUGU TANKER EXPLOSION VICTIMS, CALLS FOR END TO TANKER ACCIDENTS

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed that Vice President Kashim Shettima has commiserated with the people and government of Enugu over the fuel tanker fire that claimed lives following an accident in the state. The Vice President described the incident as a sad reminder of the need to put an end to avoidable tanker accidents and explosions. The fuel tanker had veered off course and burst into flames along the Ugwu-Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway on Saturday. In a condolence message to families of those who lost their lives and the injured, Shettima noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is very concerned and disturbed by the incident and other tanker explosions in recent times. “It was with a heart full of sadness that I received news of the fuel tanker explosion that occurred on Saturday, January 25, 2025, in Ugwu Onyeama local government area of Enugu State. I am deeply saddened that another tanker accident would lead to the loss of lives of Nigerians, leaving others injured in the gory incident,” Shettima said. Shettima reassured Nigerians that the government will stop at nothing to put an end to tanker accidents on the roads, following President Tinubu’s directive. He promised that the government will engage relevant agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), to urgently forestall further tanker accidents and explosions across the country. “I express my profound condolences to the government and people of Enugu State, particularly the families that lost their loved ones and those that are undergoing treatment for various degrees of injuries in the hospitals,” Shettima added. “While my thoughts and prayers are with you, I pray Almighty God to grant eternal rest to the souls of the departed and quick return to health for the injured.”

ANOTHER TANKER EXPLOSION KILLS 15 IN ENUGU, SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

Barely a week after more than 86 people were killed in a tanker explosion in Suleja, Niger State, another inferno from a petroleum-laden tanker has killed 15 people in Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria. The explosion occurred on Saturday around 11:30 am at Ugwu Onyeama, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, just a few kilometers from the Enugu metropolis. Eyewitnesses described the scene as devastating, with many nearby vehicles destroyed and several people killed. “The effects of the explosion were very devastating,” an eyewitness said. “The intensity of the fire was so high that it hindered rescue efforts.” The victims, who were reportedly burnt beyond recognition, are believed to be occupants of the vehicles caught in the inferno. The police and road safety authorities have yet to confirm the number of casualties or the cause of the explosion. However, the incident has raised concerns about the frequency of tanker explosions in Nigeria and the need for improved safety measures to prevent such disasters.

PRESIDENT TINUBU ASSURES COMPLETION OF EASTERN RAIL LINE, ANAMBRA BASIN ENERGY RESERVE DEVELOPMENT

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing the Eastern Rail line connecting Port Harcourt to Maiduguri. The President made this promise during an interactive session with South East leaders in Enugu State on Saturday. He also pledged to support the development of the Anambra Basin, which is estimated to hold up to 1 billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas. Former Minister of Power Professor Chinedu Nebo and Enugu State indigene Chris Ugoh appealed to the President to prioritize the completion of the Eastern rail line and develop the Anambra Basin energy reserve. President Tinubu responded, saying, “It is a work in progress. I inherited some of these critical problems and am committed to solving them.” He also emphasized the importance of gas infrastructure, stating, “Gas is an alternative to petrol. There is no wasting of time than to invest more in it. We will do it together, and I am lucky I have good governors”. During his visit, President Tinubu inaugurated several projects in Enugu State, including the GTC Smart Green School, New Haven/Bisalla Road, the International Conference Center, the Command-and-Control Center, and 150 patrol vehicles equipped with surveillance cameras. He praised Governor Peter Mbah for his development model and philosophy, saying, “We have committed leaders like Peter Mbah taking Enugu on the path of 21st-century development, taking Enugu to greater heights, and building our tomorrow today”. Governor Mbah commended President Tinubu for establishing the South East Development Commission and liberalizing the electricity sector. He reiterated his vision to grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within 4 years, emphasizing the importance of security, quality education, and affordable healthcare.

PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISSIONS LANDMARK PROJECTS IN ENUGU STATE

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Enugu State today for a one-day official working visit, marking his first official trip to the state. The Presidential aircraft touched down at Akanu Ibiam International Airport at 1:05 pm, where Governor Peter Mbah and other prominent Igbo leaders warmly received him. During his visit, President Tinubu commissioned several landmark projects completed under Governor Mbah’s administration, showcasing the state’s efforts to enhance education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The projects include the newly completed multi-auditorium Enugu International Conference Centre in Independence Layout, 30 fully equipped Smart Green Schools, and 60 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, all part of broader State initiatives to improve education and healthcare across 260 wards of Enugu State. President Tinubu also inaugurated 90 completed urban roads in Enugu city, a state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre, 150 patrol vehicles equipped with AI-enabled surveillance cameras to enhance security, and several rural road projects. President Tinubu is expected to conclude his visit with a meeting with Southeast leaders, addressing key issues affecting the region.