A tragedy was averted on Wednesday after a diesel-laden tanker fell and spilled its content on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway area of Lagos State, thereby sparking panic amongst residents of the area.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the incident happened in the early hours of the day as motorists hurried to work.

Photos of the incident obtained by our correspondent showed some residents scooping the diesel that had spread along the road.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Wednesday, the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Adebayo Taofiq, noted that the swift intervention of emergency responders brought the situation under control.

According to Taofiq, LASTMA officials cordoned off the area before the arrival of the fire service in a bid to protect lives and properties.

Taofiq said, “Earlier today, a fully laden diesel tanker experienced a spillage along the main carriageway of the expressway, posing an imminent threat to commuters, residents, and surrounding infrastructure.

“Demonstrating exemplary coordination and urgency, LASTMA officials, in synergy with other emergency response agencies, including the Lagos State Fire Service, promptly converged at the scene. Their rapid intervention facilitated the effective containment and mitigation of the hazardous situation, averting what could have been a major disaster.

“The affected zone was immediately cordoned off to protect lives and property, while LASTMA officials meticulously managed traffic flow to minimise disruptions and ensure the safety of all road users. This coordinated response successfully neutralised the risk of fire and environmental degradation.”

Reacting to the incident, Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, urged motorists to be safety conscious while using the expressway.

Giwa who spoke through Taofiq, expressed the state government’s commitment to ensuring compliance with traffic laws across the state.

“This incident highlights the indispensable need for all tanker operators to strictly adhere to traffic regulations and safety protocols.

“We implore all transport stakeholders to prioritise the safety of both lives and property. The Lagos State Government remains steadfast in enforcing compliance with all traffic laws to prevent avoidable mishaps,” he said.

The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olayide Adelami, has been appointed the new Board Chairman of the Prison Fellowship of Nigeria.

The announcement was made during PFN’s Annual General Meeting, held recently in Ogun State.

Alongside Adelami’s appointment, Dr Jacob Tsado was named the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer.

Adelami, who is also a former Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, succeeds Mrs Dorcas Din, who had completed her tenure as Board Chairperson.

Prior to this appointment, Adelami served as the Board’s Second Vice-Chairman.

In his acceptance speech, Adelami expressed his gratitude and pledged to focus on strengthening the Fellowship’s policies and capacity to achieve its objectives.

“I am deeply honoured to serve in this capacity. Together, we will mobilise resources and craft policies to uplift this organisation and deepen its impact on restorative justice and inmate reintegration,” he stated.

At the AGM, Tsado officially assumed his role as Executive Director, succeeding Barrister Benson Iwuagwu, who retired after 19 years of dedicated service.

Dr. Tsado, a founding member of PFN, has previously served as a Research Fellow and Director of Publications at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State.

He thanked the Fellowship for entrusting him with the position, saying, “It is a humbling experience to step into the big shoes left by Barr. Iwuagwu. I call on all members and stakeholders to renew their commitment to the vision of restorative justice and rehabilitation.”

He also acknowledged the contributions of key supporters, including the Nigerian Correctional Service, Prison Fellowship International, the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria, Covenant University, and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.

The AGM also witnessed the appointment of Prof. Chioma Agomo as the First Vice-Chairman of the Board and Engineer Yinka Oyewole as the Second Vice Chairman.

During the ceremonial handover, outgoing Board Chairperson, Mrs. Dorcas Din, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve and encouraged members to remain committed to PFN’s mission.

“Serving God and humanity through PFN has been a privilege. Let us all rededicate ourselves to the work of reforming and reintegrating inmates,” she said.

African Regional Director of Prison Fellowship International,

Ashella Ndhlovu, who represented the International President, Andy Corley, commended Barr. Iwuagwu’s contributions to the organisation.

“Barr. Iwuagwu’s unwavering dedication has significantly advanced PFN’s mission. His legacy will inspire the next chapter of this Fellowship,” she said.

Prison Fellowship Nigeria is part of Prison Fellowship International, a global network operating in over 120 countries. The organisation also holds observer status with the African Union Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The immediate past deputy president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Alhassan Yahaya, has been elected as the national president of the Union.

Alhassan Yahaya won the election during the 8th Triennial delegates conference held in Owerri, Imo State with 436 votes, while Mr Tunde Atunbi polled 97 votes and Garba polled 39 votes to place second and third respectively.

Alhassan was the immediate past National Deputy President of the union.

Also, a Deputy Director with Radio Nigeria, Mrs Abimbola Oyetunde emerged as Deputy National President of the Union unopposed and Muhammad Umar Tukur and Abdulrazak Bello Kaura were returned unopened as the Vice President and Zonal secretary Zone A respectively.

Ronke Afebioye from Ekiti state Council was also re-elected unopposed as the vice President Zone B and other national executives who were equally returned unopposed.