By joshua KOGI GOVT DISTRIBUTES 2,500 LIFE JACKETS TO MARITIME UNION, SAYS SAFETY ON WATERWAYS NON-NEGOTIABLE
The Kogi State Government on Wednesday distributed 2,500 life jackets to members of the Maritime Union of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter, as part of efforts to curb boat mishaps and strengthen safety on the state’s waterways.
The event, held at the Marine Police Riverside in Lokoja, was commissioned by the State Ministry of Transportation under the Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo-led administration.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Maritime Union, Kogi State Chapter, welcomed the Commissioner for Transportation and representatives of NIWA, HYPPADEC, the Nigeria Marine Police, SEMA and the Red Cross to the occasion.
He described the distribution as a landmark achievement for the union, stressing that life jackets are critical to saving lives in the event of boat accidents.
“We and other members of this great union remain appreciative to the Ministry of Transportation, Kogi State, under the leadership of the Hon. Commissioner and management,” he said.
The Chairman also acknowledged the support of the State Coordinator of N- HYPPADEC, the Area Manager of NIWA Lokoja Area Office, the Nigeria Marine Police, and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. He assured that the life jackets would be distributed fairly and used for their intended purpose.
Speaking at the event, the Hon. Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Atuluku Victor Levi, said the 2,500 life jackets were a donation from Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
He urged the union to ensure equitable distribution and called for strict enforcement of the compulsory wearing of life jackets by all boat passengers.
The Commissioner added that he would draw the Governor’s attention to the need for stronger enforcement across all riverine communities in the state.
Also speaking, the State Coordinator of N- HYPPADEC, Dr. Michael Omeiza Ajayi, described the intervention as timely, noting that water levels are rising and the use of life jackets has become more urgent.
“We need to visit communities on enlightenment on why the use of life jackets is important. It must not be only during election campaigns,” he said.
Dr. Ajayi prayed for sustained collaboration among the Ministry of Transportation, NIWA, HYPPADEC, SEMA, the Maritime Police and the Red Cross to promote safety on Kogi waterways.
Other dignitaries present included the representative of the Maigari of Lokoja, Sarkin Kpata Aliyu Yaro, Daniel Arigbe of NIWA, Mrs. Victoria Ipemida of SEMA, SP Ali Usman of the Maritime Police, and Funmilayo Ibikunle of the Red Cross.
The Ministry of Transportation supervised the distribution of the life jackets to riverine communities across the state.
The event also featured a practical demonstration of passengers wearing life jackets during a boat ride on the River Niger and Benue.
Kindly help bring the state government speech forward and as the introductory aspect of the news. Add other soothing words for the state government in making water transportation safe.
Let the speech of Omeiza come immediately after the Commissioner before the remarks by the Maritime workers and others