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NIWA, Kogi NUJ Federated Chapel partners to ensure security on water ways
The Federated Journalists in Kogi State has begun the partnership with the National Inland Water Authority, (NIWA) towards achieving the desired results in ensuring a safer water ways in the State.
Speaking during a familiarization visit to NIWA headquarters in Lokoja, the NUJ Federated Chapel Chairman, Mike Abu intimated the Management that the 18 Member association will continue to use it various platforms to reach out to the grassroots on safety on the water ways.
He commended the Managing Director for his implementation of the 2023 Water Transportation Code, pointing out that the deployment of 15 new boats of various capacities aimed at improving safety and efficiency on Nigeria’s waterways remains commendable.
He Commended NIWA for carrying out more grassroots safety campaigns than at any other time, added that with the Chapel, it grassroots education and enlightenment can be made more easier.
He equally lauded the chapel for the expansion of NIWA’s water marshal program, pointing out that within few months of its launch, there has been increase in the number of our water marshals.
According to the Chapel Chairman the partnership, “will enable us to reach out to the wide populace across the 21 Local Government Area of Kogi State. It is important that NIWA carry along the chapel along in it activities so that accurate information about the organization will always be disseminated to the public”.
He, however, commended the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIWA Mr Bolaji Oyebamiji for his laudable achievements in the last one year adding that their is need for continuous synergy between journalists and the agency in Kogi State
“We hope that this visit will help cement our relationship with NIWA. Also, we must commend the Management of NIWA under the distinguished leadership of Mr Bolaji Oyebamiji for repositioning the agency in the last one year. We are optimistic that this laudable achievement will be sustained”he added.
He assured NIWA that the Chapel will continue to work with them to achieve the organization’s set goals in the State.
Responding, the head Corporate affairs of NIWA Suelieman Makama noted that the Managing Director has within the last one year, repositioned NIWA for great service delivery.
He stressed that the organization needs the support of the media to succeed, pointing out that so much has been achieved in the areas of Security and safe Water, solicited the support of the Community Online newspaper publishers to help to educate the citizens on safe and best practices.
He frowned at fake news about boat mishaps making in the round in some media organization without proper verification, urged the media on professional reportage.
His words”There was a time that fake news spread in the State that our boat capsized in and many people died. That news created much tension in the Country. That was never true. Journalists should always verify their information before going to bed. The issue of boat mishap has been the other of the day for some time. It is important to avoid sensational reportage so that we can move our nation forward”.
