Ondo Governor’s Aide, Hon. Adebawo Raises Concerns over Construction of Petroleum Station with Integrated Bakery
The Special Assistant on Emergency Response to Ondo State Governor, Hon. Oriade Wellington Adebawo, has raised significant concerns regarding the construction of a petroleum station with an integrated bakery in the state.
The Special Assistant’s alarm emphasizes the potential safety risks and the critical importance of ensuring that proper safety protocols are adhered to before any such development takes place. The concerns raised by Hon. Adebawo Oriade Wellington underline the importance of safeguarding both public safety and the environment in the face of industrial development.
Hon. Adebawo posited that petroleum stations, by their nature, involve the storage and sale of flammable fuels, including gasoline and diesel and the materials are highly volatile, and any improper handling or exposure to heat could result in catastrophic accidents, such as explosions or fires.
Stressing that bakeries, on the other hand, require open flames and high temperatures for their operations. He added that ovens, grills, and other baking equipment produce intense heat, which could serve as an ignition source for the petroleum products stored nearby, which according to him, creates a dangerous mix of fire hazards and if not properly mitigated, could endanger not only the workers and customers in the immediate vicinity but also the surrounding community.
Hon. Adebawo Oriade Wellington, in his capacity as Special Assistant on Emergency Response, has called for stricter safety protocols to be put in place if such a facility is to be developed. This would include ensuring that both the petroleum station and bakery meet rigorous standards of safety that are in line with industry regulations. Among these protocols, proper fire suppression systems, such as sprinklers and extinguishers, should be installed in both the bakery and petroleum station. Additionally, proper ventilation must be ensured to prevent the build-up of dangerous fumes and gases.
The Special Assistant also stressed the need for comprehensive emergency response plans to be implemented. These plans should detail clear procedures to follow in the event of an accident, including evacuation routes, communication strategies, and coordination with local emergency services. These measures would help to ensure that, if an incident were to occur, it would be managed swiftly and efficiently to minimize harm.
