Ejiro Otarigho: I Want a Replacement for My Burnt Tanker, Not National Honour, Heroic Driver Tells FG
- Mr. Ejiro Otarigho, on Friday, June 10, in Ughelli, Delta state, saved Agbarho town from a fire disaster
- The Delta state government in reaction, presented a cheque of N2 million, a plaque and a letter of commendation to Otarigho, for his display of heroism and humanity
- Interestingly, Otarigho disclosed he would prefer a replacement for his burnt tanker, not a national honour as suggested by the Nigerian Senate
The driver who drove a burning fuel tanker away from a community in Delta state, Ejiro Otarigho, says he needs a new vehicle, The Cable reports.
Otarigho, had last week, drove his tanker which caught fire at a residential area to a river bank.
His action and bravery earned him commendations from Nigerians, including the senate which has resolved to honour him.
Source: Facebook
Ejiro Otarigho reveals new demand in an interview
In an interview with The Punch, Otarigho said the thought of hundreds of lives and property engulfing in flames as a result of the tanker fire gave him the determination to drive the truck to a location where there will be no disaster.
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Ejiro Otarigho gets a recommendation letter from Okowa but prefers a new tanker
The 46-year-old who started the risky job of tanker driving about 12 years ago, disclosed he would prefer to have his tanker replaced rather than get a national honour.'
He said:
“I have received calls from them (Delta state government) but I am not interested in any national honour of any sort right now.
“I know God has brought me to a good place where my story is now being told. All I want is a replacement for my burnt tanker so I can go back to my job.
“I have just been at home and truck driving was the only way I fed. It has not been easy for me since I lost my tanker.”
Otarigho wants a better job
Asked if he would like to get a new job and abandon the dangerous business of tanker driving, he said, of course, I will. It is a risky job.
He affirmed:
“Imagine if I had died that day, nothing would have been said of me. If the government has something better for me, I will do it without looking back. All I want is to be able to take care of myself and my family legitimately.”
Nigerians react
Nigerians took to the official Facebook page of Legit.ng and reacted to the development.
Edhebe Lucky said
"He deserves more than a new tanker for the great thing he had done."
Ezeali Christiana Ude said
"Abeg, make una try give am tanker nah. National honor no dey sustain life."
Umar Mohammed stated
"Honour of a better living is what this man deserves, not honour by name."
Obichere Samuel Ugochukwu said
"New tanker will put food on his table. Good thinking Ejiro Otarigho."
Flexzy Jefaa Snr said
"I see people laughing for him requesting for a new tank, imagine this benevolent act was done in the western countries I put to you all he will have 5 new tank given to him. Ask yourself how many of you can take such life risk?
Douglas DoggPound said
"Now We Will Know If Those Who Criticized Peter Obi Will Be Cheerful Givers Or They'll Give Excuse And Become Stingy Themselves!"
Gbenga Francis said
"Who national honour help? Nice move man."
Godwin Archibong said
"If he had died during the cause, trust me, the family would have been compensated with millions.
"This our country ehn!
"Thank God he's alive. He deserves more than a Tanker. He's a hero."
Kennedy Aliekwue
"Yes ooo is better he speaks out now, no be honour him go chop or use feed him family."
Brakemi Diyerin said
"If na big brother Naija them go give out 50m nonsense."
Senate recommend brave tanker driver for national honour
The Nigeria Senate has saluted the courage of Ejiro Otarigho a tanker driver for his heroics in averting what would have been a fire outbreak in Agbarho, Delta State.
According to the Vanguard newspaper, Ejiro has been recommended by the Senate to be conferred a national honour by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Legit.ng gathered that Ejiro drove a burning tanker away from a danger zone to avert a very ghastly fire incident that would have claimed the lives of many residents.
Ejiro Otarigho: Selfless tanker driver turns Delta youth ambassador, gets massive cash gift from Governor Okowa
Ejiro Otarigho, the selfless and brave petrol tanker driver who drove his burning vehicle filled with diesel away from a residential area around Agbarho, Ughelli North local government area, Delta state, has been appreciated by the state government.
Patrick Ukah, the secretary to the state government, representing Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, on Thursday, June 16, said Otarigho's bravery has saved the entire state from what would have turned into mourning for most families that fateful day.
Ukah said this in a ceremony to which Otarigho, his pregnant wife, and some family relatives were invited by the state government.
Source: Legit.ng
