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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.
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Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 31 civilians abducted during an Easter church service in Ariko Village, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The rescue followed a distress call reporting that terrorists had invaded an ECWA Church in the community and abducted worshippers during the service.
In a statement posted on its X handle on Sunday, the Army said that upon receiving the information, troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and, with the support and guidance of members of the Ariko community, advanced in pursuit of the fleeing attackers.
The Army said the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight, overpowering them with superior firepower.
“Troops of the Nigerian Army, through a swift response, successfully foiled a terrorist attack, leading to the rescue of 31 civilians abducted during an Easter church service in Ariko Village, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“The swift response followed a distress call reporting the abduction of worshippers during an Easter service at an ECWA Church in Ariko Village. The troops, on receipt of the information, promptly mobilised to the scene. With the support and guidance of members of the Ariko community, they advanced in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists and engaged the criminals in a fierce firefight, overwhelming them with superior firepower.
“The pressure mounted by the advancing troops forced the terrorists to abandon 31 hostages, including one injured victim who is currently receiving medical attention,” the statement partly read.
However, the army disclosed that troops also recovered the remains of five victims already killed by the terrorists at the scene.
“Regrettably, the remains of five victims already killed by the terrorists were also recovered at the scene. The fleeing terrorists are believed to have sustained significant casualties, as evidenced by blood trails along their escape routes.
“Troops have since intensified pursuit operations to track the fleeing elements to their enclaves, with ongoing efforts aimed at rescuing any remaining captives and ensuring the perpetrators are brought to justice,” the statement added.
The army said additional troops had been deployed to the area to reinforce ongoing operations, enhance security presence, and prevent further threats to lives and property.
“To consolidate the gains recorded, additional troops have been deployed to the area to reinforce ongoing operations, enhance security presence, and prevent further threats to lives and property.
“The Nigerian Army reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the protection of citizens and the defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity, in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders. Troops remain resolute in sustaining offensive operations against all threats to national security.
“Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information, as collective vigilance remains vital to achieving enduring peace and stability,” the statement concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has approved a ₦3.3 trillion payment plan aimed at resolving long-standing debts in Nigeria’s power sector and boosting the reliability of electricity supply.
The plan addresses legacy debts accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025 under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme.
Following a comprehensive review, the government agreed on ₦3.3 trillion as a full and final settlement, ensuring transparency and fairness.
A statement issued on Sunday by the special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that implementation of the repayment plan has already begun, with fifteen power plants already signed settlement agreements totalling ₦2.3 trillion.
The statement read, “President Bola Tinubu has approved the payment plan to finally settle the outstanding debts under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme.
“The debt repayment plan followed the final review of the legacy debts that have beset the power sector for more than a decade.
“The long-standing debts accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025. Following verification, ₦3.3 trillion has been agreed as a full and final settlement, ensuring a fair and transparent resolution.
“Implementation has begun, with 15 power plants signing settlement agreements totalling ₦2.3 trillion. The Federal Government has already raised ₦501 billion to fund these payments. Out of the amount, N223 billion has been disbursed, with further payments underway.
“What this means for Nigerians: With payments reaching the power value chain, generation will be more stable. With power plants supported, electricity reliability will improve.”
Commenting on the development, the Special Adviser on Energy to the President, Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, explained that the settlement would improve electricity reliability by stabilising the power value chain.
“This programme is not just about settling legacy debts. It is about restoring confidence across the power sector — ensuring gas suppliers are paid, power plants can keep running, and the system begins to work more reliably,” she said.
The adviser added that the reforms are part of broader initiatives, including better metering and service-based tariffs that link consumer payments to the quality of electricity received.
Priority will also be given to supplying electricity to businesses, industries, and small enterprises to support job creation and economic growth.
“The goal is simple: more reliable power for homes, stronger support for businesses, and a system that works better for all Nigerians,” Arowolo-Verheijen said.
President Tinubu commended all stakeholders involved in resolving the legacy issues and confirmed that the next phase of the reforms, Series II, will commence this quarter.
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Easter : Senator Araraume urges Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, renewed hope, prays for Tinubu’s leadership
..…Says Christ’s resurrection symbolises Nigeria’s rising from challenges to glory
,,,,Commends President Tinubu’s bold reforms, calls for continued prayers
As Christians across Nigeria and the world celebrate Easter, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Araraume, has called on Nigerians to embrace the virtues of sacrifice, forgiveness, and renewed hope which the resurrection of Jesus Christ symbolises.
In his Easter message, which he personally signed, the former governorship candidate of Imo State reflected on the profound significance of the season, describing Easter as a divine testament that no night lasts forever, and that after every crucifixion comes a glorious resurrection.
“Easter is not merely a festival; it is a spiritual declaration that darkness does not have the final word. As Christ rose triumphantly on the third day, I believe Nigeria, too, is rising from every challenge to meet her God-ordained destiny,” Araraume stated.
The APC chieftain used the occasion to offer fervent prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as a courageous leader steering the ship of state through turbulent but necessary waters.
“I pray that the God who raised Christ from the dead will raise every help that President Tinubu needs to succeed. I pray for divine wisdom, physical strength, and uncommon protection over his life. Let no arrow of the wicked find its mark in his camp. May his labours for our nation yield fruits that generations yet unborn will celebrate,” Araraume prayed.
He further commended President Tinubu for his bold and far-reaching reforms, acknowledging that while the policies may demand present sacrifice from citizens, the long-term dividends will be peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
“Mr. President has shown that he has the heart of a reformer and the backbone of a statesman. These are not easy times, but great nations are forged in the furnace of difficult decisions. I call on all Nigerians, regardless of party or creed, to support this administration with patience and prayer,” the Senator added.
Senator Araraume also urged Nigerians to show love to one another, especially to the less privileged, the grieving, and the displaced, noting that the true essence of Easter is found in selfless giving and communal solidarity.
“Let us visit the orphanage, feed the hungry, and extend a hand to our neighbour in distress. That is the gospel in action. That is the Nigeria we must build together,” he said.
He wished all Christians a peaceful, joyous, and spiritually fulfilling Easter celebration.
Signed:
Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Araraume
Chieftain, All Progressives Congress (APC)
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