The federal government of Nigeria has donated no fewer than 1,000 life jackets to Kwara State in its active effort to promote safe water travel across riverine communities in Nigeria.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who delivered the items on Friday, in Ilorin stated that it is for residents in riverine areas including; Patigi, Edu, Baruten, Kaiama, and Moro Local Government Areas of the state.
Represented by the Director, Maritime Services, Dr Mercy Ilori, Oyetola disclosed that a balance of 2,500 life jackets will be delivered soon.
He said; “The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is taking practical steps to prevent such losses and ensure that every journey by water is a safe one by using the three core pillars: strict enforcement of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023, sustained public education and sensitisation on safety, and provision of life-saving gear, particularly life jackets to waterway users across the country.”
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The state governor in his remarks through the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Mamman Jibril, appreciated the President for providing the life jackets and the ministry for putting in its best to forestall the loss of lives and property to boat mishaps.
He further urged all the benefiting communities and boat operators to ensure that passengers use the jackets regularly.
“We should not keep the jacket at home; we must use it because if we use it, the ministry will be happy with Kwara.
“Let me re-emphasize that we should not keep it at home but use it for our safety,” he said.
Lagos, in his remarks, the state Commissioner for Transportation, Aliyu Kora-Sabi, said what happened is an evidence of President Bola Tinubu and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitments to protecting the lives of the citizens.
He further emphasized that the provision of life jackets by any one shows they care so much about the lives of the people as he educated on the importance.
He added; “As we all know, life jackets are not just pieces of equipment; they are life-saving devices that can make the difference between life and death.”
