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By Sodiq Adebara
Kwara State Government has declared that the safety of citizens is non-negotiable, through its resolve to enforce the “No Life Jackets, No Entry” rule for boat travels.
This was made known during the distribution of 2,500 life jackets to five riverine Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State, including Moro, Kaiama, Patigi, Edu, and Baruten.
In his keynote address at the event held at the Ipata-Jebba Waterfront in Moro LGA, the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, emphasized that citizens’ safety is central to the socio-economic advancement of any society.
He reiterated the importance of life jackets for boat operators and passengers aboard waterways, aimed at eradicating incidences of boat mishaps while providing sustainable economic pathways for Kwarans.
Governor AbdulRazaq, who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. John Bello, acknowledged the economic potentials of the rivers in the State; ranging from fishing, inter-city trading, to commerce.
He charged all beneficiaries to key into the State’s renewed transportation agenda by ensuring that the life jackets are judiciously used to prevent loss of lives on the waterways.
He reiterated the government’s resolve to continue prioritizing the safety of Kwarans across all strata of life while remaining focused on building a sustainable environment for growth.
The State Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Lafia Aliyu Kora-Sabi, described the event as “a lifeline for riverine communities whose lives depend largely on the river.”
He added that “the provision of life jackets underscores the pledge and commitment of Governor AbdulRahman’s administration to prevent the recurrence of boat capsizes that have claimed scores of lives in Patigi and other areas.”
He appreciated President Bola Tinubu for donating the life jackets to the State, assuring that the Ministry would ensure a transparent, accountable, and fair distribution process.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Salau Abdullahi, described the initiative as a significant collective effort and a shared commitment among the Federal Government, the State, and other stakeholders in finding a lasting solution to tragic occurrences on the waterways.
The Chairman of Moro LGA, Hon. Maryam Omotayo Wasiu, represented by the Council Secretary, Mallam Nura Muhammed, lauded the State Government’s intervention as timely, noting that it would go a long way in boosting the economic value chain of the people of Jebba, especially fishermen and farmers.
The beneficiaries, represented by their community youth leader, Comrade Azeez Arisekola, appreciated Governor AbdulRazaq for his numerous interventions and support aimed at improving the livelihoods of the people of Moro and other local governments.
