By Abubakar Yunusa
Noble Minds Initiative, a non-political organization aimed at discouraging the vandalism of public equipment, has inaugurated National Executives, State/FCT task force commissioners, and their Local Government Executives to protect national critical assets in the country.
Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja yesterday, National BOT Chairman/National Operations and Monitoring, Comrade Ikechukwu Chukwu, said, “The aims and objectives of Noble Minds, among others, are to enhance surveillance using our grassroots network in the 36 states of the federation and FCT to work against all forms of unpatriotic acts.”
Chukwusaid “This is a project to protect our national critical assets, discourage looting and vandalism, and eliminate bunkering, exploitation, hoarding, and dubious middlemen.
“We are inaugurating the appointed officers to start operations in their various states and regions, to enable them to galvanize relationships and alliances with operating stakeholders.
” We are also introducing them to the innovative best practices of task force enforcement and operations, the panel codes, and guidelines regarding the petroleum and solid mineral products marketing and chains of distribution, including eliminating the looting of public funds and vandalism..
“The rampant vandalism of pipelines and public assets, a deliberate sabotage that not only jeopardizes the integrity of our oil infrastructure but also threatens the safety and livelihoods of countless Nigerians, is unacceptable to Noble Minds Initiative,” Chukwu stated.
“The wanton destruction of pipelines not only leads to environmental degradation through oil spills but also robs our nation of much-needed revenue that could otherwise be channeled into social development and infrastructural projects.
The organization’s Secretary, Engr. Innocent Ogu, said the challenges facing Nigeria’s petroleum and solid mineral sector demand bold, decisive, and audacious action.
“We must collaborate across the board, from government and industry to civil society and international partners, to oust this menace by prioritizing transparency, accountability, sustainable practices, and ensuring that lawbreakers are made to face the wrath of the law.
” We can secure our national assets for future generations and ensure a brighter, more prosperous Nigeria of our dream.”
“We seek the support of the government, all stakeholders, and entire Nigerian citizens. We are certain that your support will help us achieve our aims,” Ogu said .
