By joshua KOGI GOVT DISTRIBUTES 2,500 LIFE JACKETS TO MARITIME WORKERS, SAYS SAFETY ON WATERWAYS NON-NEGOTIABLE
The Kogi State Government has reaffirmed that safety on the state’s waterways is non-negotiable, as it distributed 2,500 life jackets to members of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter.
The distribution, held on Wednesday at the Marine Police Riverside in Lokoja, was commissioned by the State Ministry of Transportation under the Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo-led administration as part of deliberate steps to reduce boat mishaps and protect lives in riverine communities.
Speaking at the event, the Hon. Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Atuluku Victor Levi, said the 2,500 life jackets were donated by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in line with the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of water transport users across the state.
The Commissioner noted that the Ododo administration places a high premium on human lives and is investing in practical measures to make water transportation safer, more reliable and more dignified for Kogites.
“As a government, we will not fold our arms and watch our people perish on the waterways. This donation is a clear demonstration of Governor Ododo’s love for the people and his determination to ensure that no life is lost to preventable boat accidents,” he said.
Hon. Levi urged the union to ensure equitable distribution and called for strict enforcement of the compulsory wearing of life jackets by all boat passengers.
He added that he would draw the Governor’s attention to the need for stronger enforcement, regular sensitization, and improved rescue capacity across all riverine communities in the state.
Also speaking, the State Coordinator of HYPPADEC, Dr. Michael Omeiza Ajayi, described the intervention as timely and life-saving, noting that water levels are rising with the approach of the rainy season.
“We need to visit communities on enlightenment on why the use of life jackets is important. It must not be only during election campaigns. This is about saving lives,” 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.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union, Kogi State Chapter, 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 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.
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.