By Olatunde Dodondawa
RE: Sahara Reporters story on alleged abandonment of Staff.
Eko DisCo has refuted the false claim by SAHARA REPORTERS that it abandoned worker who died from electrocution while working at Ex-Lagos Governor, Fashola’s house, State Ministry.
Eko DisCo said: “As a responsible organization, our priority has always been to optimally protect all members of our field team, consistent with applicable health and safety standards.
Our attention has been drawn to the Sahara Reporters` publication of April 12, 2023, captioned “How Eko Electricity Company Abandoned Worker Who Died from Electrocution While Working At Ex-Lagos Governor, Fashola’s House, State Ministry”.
The publication, which is fundamentally untrue and misleading, came to our attention only after it had been published. Against standard journalism practice, Sahara Reporters did not reach out to Eko DisCo to provide comments before the publication was put out. However, with the publication in circulation, there is a compelling need to clarify the untrue insinuations that have been made.
First, it is important to clarify that Mr. Yusuf Balogun (“the Deceased”) did not pass on “While Working At Ex-Lagos Governor, Fashola’s House, State Ministry”. The report is false as the Deceased was not fixing fault on any customer`s premises but was working on our BAGCO 11kV feeder when the unfortunate incident occurred.
To put the facts in perspective, the Deceased was a member of the field team engaged under a contract for services with a third-party human resource service provider – Alexandra Marius, the Deceased employer
As part of Eko Disco’s process, the events that led to the incident were extensively investigated and the following was established:
The incident occurred while the Deceased was working on replacing a damaged Cross Arm on BAGCO 11kV feeder, which tripped in the early hours of Monday, March 17, 2023.
Contrary to the Deceased employer’s and Eko Disco`s safety standards, the Deceased and his team at Ijora District embarked on clearing the fault without obtaining permit to work (PTW), Station, and Guarantee both of which represent official approval for fault clearing.
Also contrary to the laid down safety standards by both the Deceased employer and Eko DisCo, the Deceased did not utilize voltage detector nor tease/ground the electric lines to ensure that the lines were out of supply before commencing fault clearing. The Deceased was also not putting on any safety wears such as hard hat, hand gloves, safety belt, and coverall that were adequately made available by Eko Disco.
Unfortunately, while fixing the fault without complying with above-established safety standards, the Deceased had contact with an energized line and received severe electric shock.
The Deceased was quickly assisted by his colleagues to disengage from the energized lines.
The Deceased became unconscious and was immediately rushed to Avon Medical Centre, Bode Thomas, Surulere, Lagos for medical attention.
The Deceased was later referred to Federal Medical Centre Ebute Metta, Yaba, Lagos for further medical attention but was confirmed dead a few minutes after his arrival at the hospital on Monday, March 27, 2023.
The Deceased was taken to his house and was buried on March 28, 2023
in accordance with Islamic rites.
The necessary legal and disciplinary processes have been set in motion against the distribution team involved in carrying out the unapproved task with the Deceased without complying with safety standards laid down by both Eko Disco and Alexandra Marius, the Deceased employer.
Following the unfortunate death of the Deceased, we have taken the following definite steps:
- We engaged with the Deceased employer – Alexandra Marius to commence the process of giving respite to the Deceased family
- Further to this, we and Alexandra Marius have contacted the Deceased Next of Kin on our records and all necessary arrangements are speedily being made to give respite to the Deceased Family.
- Based on our request, the Next of Kin has promised to consult with other family members of the Deceased and give us a date for official condolence visit. We are also closely following up on this.
- The Deceased Health Management Office (HMO) provider was immediately contacted to ensure the prompt settlement of the medical bills.
- All required documentation for life insurance and the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) claims were received from the Next of Kin. The process is being closely followed to ensure the same is speedily concluded
- The Deceased’s salary has been paid up to date.
We have taken the time to provide a detailed record of the unfortunate incident so that the public can be aware of the true state of things. Nothing can ease the pain of death, but we are determined to ensure that the entitlements of the deceased are fully secured in the best time possible; they must not be subject to delay or sensationalism.
We have been at the forefront of advancing the safety and well-being of our staff, and in the unfortunate incident of an accident, we have taken the lead in meeting our obligations to them and their family. And this time was no different.
At the heart of this incident is the deep sense of pain and sadness that the Management and Staff of Eko DisCo have faced. Indeed, the loss is irreparable both to us and to the family of the Deceased and we are deeply pained by the incident and are resolute with our commitment to ensuring that the family of the deceased get respite.
We would at this period appeal that rather than stirring up controversy in the media, a simple reach-out to us for information would clear things up. And this goes for our friends in the media too. Let us let the deceased rest in peace, and their bereaved grieve in peace.
