The National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, has presented an award and a four-year National Health insurance Scheme to 46 years old Ejiro Otarigho, heroic tanker driver who averted a major disaster at Agbarho in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Recall that Otarigho, a Delta-based tanker driver, drove a burning petrol-laden tanker from Agharho town in Ughelli North, Delta State, to the bank of Agbarho River to avert an explosion which would have killed thousands of people in that community.

Presenting the award to Otarigho, which included a four-year National Health insurance Scheme, Chairman of the Delta State National Youth Council of Nigeria, Mr Kingsley Idisi, said the Youth Council decided to honour the tanker driver, Ejiro Otarigho as a way to encourage Nigerian youths to emulate his effort which helped to avert deaths in Agbarho.

Idisi added that there was need for the Delta State Government to provide a job opportunity to Otarigho as part of rewards for his bravery.

He said that Mr Otarigho, by his singular heroic action has indirectly elevated the level of Delta State amongst its counterpart in the country.

“The National Youth Council of Nigerian decided to honour Mr Ejiro Otarigho with this award plus four years National Insurance Scheme to encourage our youths to emulate his heroic deeds. With the action Mr Ejiro Otarigho took, it has proven to us that there are still patriotic Nigerians who are ready to sacrifice their lives to save others,” Idisi noted.

Responding, Mr Ejiro Otarigho attributed the commendations he has so far received to the glory of God.

He said, “I really want to give all the glory to God Almighty who has given me the courage to do what I did. I want to thank you all for this honour.”