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The Tank Farm/Satellite Town Saga:
……The True Story
The Festering story of the Satellite Town and Tank Farm are not getting abated, if the truth must be told. Banters and expansions on the raging matter were espoused by opposing parties on the issues, and the interesting conclusion is that both parties have now agreed on a Mutual and Consolidated Agreement to move on and make things Workable in the interest of Peace, Harmony and Progress.
Residents of a largely populated area in satellite town area of Lagos state, have cried out to the Lagos state Government to come out to their aid on the activities of Tank farm in their immediate vicinity.
The residents made up mainly of all the Estates, roads and close accessed through the old, worn-out, frail, rocky and gully road of the area linked to old Ojo Road, Wobbly Navy Road, and the uncharted shell-Abule Osun Road, with the broken steps and ridges and water collectors interior, are gathered here at the closest level of government.
They are bemoaning their state of desolation and now earnestly drawing the attention of the government to the very appalling and deplorable situation of their Community.
Their groves rise from the operation of a disparate group of over 50 Tank farms operated by 13 marketing Companies.
This ugly situation led to a massive protest by the residents who trooped out on Tuesday ,July 9, 2019 to condemn what they describe as unwarranted invasion of their community by the oil company. They therefore insisted that the operators should relocate their companies to another area as the current is becoming inhabitable due to environmental pollution ravaging the community.
According to the chairman, Satellite Town Forum, Mr. Michael Imitinl, all government agencies should plan well before approving location of facilities in areas to avoid ugly situation in future just like what is happening in the Niger Delta.
However, we also heared the side of Tank Farms via the secretary, Ijegun-Egba Tank Farms Owners/ Operators, Satellite Town, Lagos Barrister Eslist Eslist who explained, ‘What is essential is that, whatever we discussed at inception of the relationship is that both parties should adhere to the black and white of the deal.
We don’t have issue, their demand are roads, infrastructural deficit which civil construction are going on at Pioneer Road, the road will be fully rehabilitated. Before our company starts operation at Satellite Town, we have to pass through Marwa Road, every collapsed portion in that area has been rehabilitated by our Tank Farm is 3.8 km road beginning of Marwa Road down to the end is long term measure with expansion and the drainage. The issue of flooding whatever concerns the community also concerns us. We want to take water out of the Community down to the lagoon. Work is in progress and the engineer in charge is the Nigerian Army Construction Company . Eventually, whatever that is affecting the community in terms of drainage, water and flooding has been addressed. An expansion of the road is on going which will be completed soon. What we need from the community is cooperation in terms of relationship. As a corporate organization, enjoying good relationship with the community people is our priority.
We have had several meetings and the most important thing is whether the work we promised has commenced or not. Yes, it has commenced, and they are seeing it going on smoothly, and this is why we are appealing to the Community to be patient as the work goes on. We are on the job, and will not abandon the job half-way until it is finished beyond logical conclusion. Above this, our presence, whether you like it or not, has made this community a better one in the eyes of the external world, and we are even making moves to make satellite Town/ Ijegun Egba Community more attractive. It is only good for our Company, not the Hearken to the needs of the Community and we are ever ready to give them what they most desired as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility. We have a cordial relationship with the Community, and it is only a foolish businessman that will operate in a hostile environment, especially when people around him are unhappy. They believe that Tank farm will turn the place into an economic zone, and the Government will be easily attracted to the Community. That is why the LASG has been sending their Interventional team to establish a fire- fighting unity in the Community, just as Tank Farms has established its own fire combating outfit, which can also serve the Community, in case of any unexpected fire outbreak.
We are not here illegally we are here Legitimately, and all Companies are duly approved and licensed by Government, so whatever we are doing here is backed by law, and we can only add value to the surrounding Communities by giving them what they lack, by way of Amenities.
On whatever there were prior meetings between firms and the Community, it was ascertained that several meeting were held between both parties and those meetings ended
in mutual agreement of how the company and the Community can move forward in terms of community development and Corporate Social Responsibility on the part of Tank Farm.
Also, the coordinator, Ijegun- Egba Tank farms owners and Operators Association, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammed corroborated the earlier speaker.
He said, we have met with the Community severally, and we have briefed them on the work that is going on which they readily saw and identified. Actually, we are supposed to have started earlier than this, but because of the rain, we had to start in May, and hopefully, when the rain subsides, we should be through with the work by the end of September, all things being equal why the work has not been progressing is because of the weather; if not so the work should have been completed since but that is not an excuse for us. We can only hope that the Community will bear with us, even as they can see that work is going on steadily and in no time, they will begin to enjoy the goodies of the job.
Another issue is that of misplacement of trust among the various parties involved. Many meetings were called and invitation sent to the community to address the main issue, only for the Community to renege and give them their own condition, which was to come and meet them at their own behest, with express permission and approval from their directors. They are however waiting for another meeting that can be mutually fixed and issues settled amicably. As for the Tank Farm, they have been job opportunities for the community, and this will not stop because as long as the inhabitants are gainfully employed, the Tank farms will also be greatly rewarded by what the people are giving back to them. So it is a gain-gain situation for the two parties. Tank farms and satellite town entities. Good enough, all the Tank farms have now come together as one body to come as a positive Form in aid of the Community, and this is a good signal for good things to come which include,
medical facility, education, social amenities that will further raise the standard of the satellite town Community. This will be coming as a collective responsibility of the Tank farmers and the host Community.
The Federal Ministry of Finance says it has approved the payment of more than 1,240 contractors across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) following a verification and reconciliation exercise on outstanding obligations.
In a statement on Monday, Mary-Ann Duke, Senior Special Assistant on Communication and Press Secretary to the Minister of Finance, said the exercise was carried out to confirm valid claims and streamline payments.
According to her, contractors with verified claims of N100 million and below were given priority in the latest disbursement.
“The Federal Ministry of Finance has approved payments to more than 1,240 contractors, providing immediate liquidity support to businesses across the country and reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to meeting its financial obligations,” the statement reads.
The ministry said the payments are aimed at easing financial pressure on indigenous firms, particularly small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to return to project sites, settle workers’ wages, and pay suppliers.
“Contractors prioritised for payment in the most recent batch are those with verified claims in the region of N100 million or less,” Duke said.
It added that more than N700 billion in verified obligations owed to local contractors has been processed in recent months.
The statement noted that about N436.6 billion was processed in May alone, describing it as a sharp increase in payment activity designed to improve liquidity and support economic recovery.
The ministry said prioritising smaller contractors was intended to widen the reach of payments across sectors and regions while sustaining jobs and ensuring the completion of ongoing projects.
It also said the latest disbursement would strengthen confidence among contractors, suppliers, and service providers working with the government.
In January, aggrieved contractors blocked access to the Ministry of Finance, preventing former Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, from entering the premises.
Six months later, the Senate set up a committee to engage the ministry over outstanding contractor debts.
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Shettima, Akume Set for Landmark Nigeria–Poland Football Watch Party; Polish Ambassador Praises Preparations — Adeboye
Preparations have reached an advanced stage for the historic Nigeria–Poland Football Watch Party in Abuja, with the Ambassador of Poland to Nigeria, His Excellency Michal Cygan, inspecting the venue ahead of the event, while Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, have officially confirmed their participation.
The landmark event, scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the VIP Lounge of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, is being organized by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, in collaboration with the Polish Embassy in Abuja.
During an inspection visit to the venue, Ambassador Cygan met with Hon. Adeboye and members of the organizing committee to assess preparations and inspect facilities ahead of the highly anticipated football viewing experience, which is expected to attract diplomats, government officials, sports stakeholders, youth leaders, football enthusiasts, captains of industry, and members of the international community.
Expressing satisfaction with the level of preparation, the Polish envoy described the venue as a fitting location for an event designed to strengthen friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Poland.
“I am very happy with the preparation and I truly love the venue. Everything looks ready for a wonderful event,” Ambassador Cygan said.
He noted that the watch party represents more than football, describing it as an opportunity to deepen friendship, cultural exchange, and cooperation between both nations.
“Tomorrow will be about friendship and unity. We are bringing together friends of Poland, members of the diplomatic community, sports stakeholders, and football lovers to celebrate the beautiful game and our growing relationship with Nigeria,” he added.
The ambassador further disclosed that several friends and partners of the Polish Embassy would attend the event, emphasizing the role of sports diplomacy in strengthening international relations and promoting youth engagement.
Adding further significance to the occasion, Vice President Kashim Shettima will attend as Chairman of the Day, while SGF Senator George Akume will serve as the Special Guest of Honour.
Speaking ahead of the event, Hon. Adeboye described their participation as a strong indication of the Federal Government’s commitment to sports development, youth empowerment, national unity, and international partnerships under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The confirmation of the Vice President and the SGF clearly demonstrates the importance this administration places on sports—not merely as entertainment, but as a powerful tool for youth empowerment, diplomacy, peace-building, economic opportunities, and national development,” Adeboye said.
According to him, President Tinubu’s vision continues to prioritize young people through initiatives aimed at creating opportunities, promoting inclusion, and strengthening grassroots engagement across the country.
“Mr. President believes strongly in the potential of Nigerian youths and understands the transformative role sports can play in creating jobs, promoting unity, and projecting Nigeria positively on the global stage,” he added.
Adeboye also commended Vice President Shettima for his commitment to youth inclusion and national cohesion, noting that his presence would further inspire young Nigerians and stakeholders within the sports ecosystem.
He similarly praised Senator Akume for his continued support for developmental programmes that positively impact youths and strengthen national integration.
Describing the initiative as more than a football gathering, the SSA said the watch party is designed to serve as a strategic platform for friendship, cultural exchange, youth engagement, and bilateral cooperation.
“Football remains a universal language capable of bringing people together beyond borders, religion, and ethnicity. Through this event, we are strengthening relationships and creating a platform for unity, friendship, and international cooperation,” he said.
The initiative follows recent engagements between the SSA’s office and the Polish Embassy focused on grassroots sports development, youth empowerment, sports exchange programmes, and broader bilateral partnerships between Nigeria and Poland.
Guests are expected to begin arriving at 6:45 p.m., while kickoff for the Nigeria–Poland international friendly match is scheduled for 7:45 p.m.
With the attendance of Vice President Shettima, SGF Akume, senior government officials, diplomats, and key stakeholders now confirmed, anticipation continues to build for what many observers are describing as one of Abuja’s most significant sports diplomacy events of the year.
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Tinubu Assures Families of Safe Return, Deploys 1,000 Forest Guards and Tactical Teams to Oyo Forests, Promises Swift Rescue
….. Tinubu dispatches high-powered delegation to Oyo
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State.
He also directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to free abducted pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
According to a statement signed and released on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, a high-powered Federal Government delegation conveyed the presidential directives to community leaders and lawmakers during a visit to Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
The delegation also informed leaders that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area had been transmitted to the President for consideration and approval.
The development comes 16 days after gunmen struck communities in the area and took dozens of schoolchildren and their teachers captive.
The delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Tunde Disu ; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, Onanuga said.
Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the President’s decision to dispatch the nation’s top security leadership to the affected communities reflected his determination to deploy every available resource to secure the victims’ release.
“Mr President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely.
“He has issued all necessary directives and is providing every support required by our security agencies to achieve that objective,” Gbajabiamila said.
He also addressed appeals from parents and community members urging caution in the rescue operation.
The Chief of Staff explained: “Mr President also saw the appeals from some parents and community members urging caution in the rescue efforts.
“Let me assure you that the operation will be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to secure the safe return of the victims.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.”
The delegation also called on the Soun of Ogbomosoland, HRM Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, at his palace to commiserate with the traditional ruler and his people.
They also visited the widow of the slain teacher, Mrs Mary Oyedokun, and her two children, where Gbajabiamila delivered the President’s personal condolences to the family and promised that they would not be left to suffer.
The 1,000 forest guards approved by the President will be recruited in collaboration with the Oyo State Government, Onanuga said.
The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools — Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School — in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA, taking pupils and teachers captive.
During the attack, a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded. A motorcyclist was also killed, and a security operative died after running into improvised explosive devices planted by the abductors during early rescue attempts.
The Oriire LGA communities sit on the fringes of a forested belt that the abductors have exploited for cover since the attack.
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