By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Jigawa State has launched an extensive public awareness campaign to mitigate risks associated with emergency incidents, particularly in communities along federal and state highways.
This initiative follows the recent tragic petrol tanker explosion in Niger State, which claimed numerous lives and left many injured.
The directive was issued by the state NOA Director, Malam Tijjani Ibrahim, during a meeting with Community Orientation and Mobilization Officers (COMOs) across the state’s 27 Local Government Areas.
In a press statement signed by the agency’s Head of Media and Communication, Miss Sarah Ogodo, Malam Ibrahim expressed concern over the frequent loss of lives due to fuel scooping from fallen tankers. He referenced the October 2024 incident in Jigawa’s Majia community as a stark reminder of the dangers involved.
“Citizens must understand the catastrophic consequences of scooping fuel. NOA remains committed to sensitizing the public on behavioral change, the risks of such practices, and appropriate responses during emergencies,” he stated.
Malam Ibrahim emphasized the need for targeted awareness efforts to educate communities on:
Explosion and fire hazards posed by fuel scooping.
Environmental destruction, including soil and water contamination.
Health risks from air pollution and toxic exposure.
He attributed the persistence of such dangerous behaviors to a decline in societal values and ignorance. To address this, NOA has introduced the National Identity Project (NIP), a value reorientation program designed to promote responsible citizenship and restore core societal values.
The Director called for collaboration with stakeholders and relevant agencies to discourage risky practices and foster a safer, more progressive society.
“The agency’s mission goes beyond raising awareness; it is about changing attitudes, ensuring safety, and protecting our communities from preventable disasters,” Malam Ibrahim added.
NOA reaffirmed its commitment to building a culture of safety through sustained public education and value-driven reorientation.