Federal Government donates life jackets to LASWA

By Yinka Latona

CITIZENS COMPASS– The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy on Wednesday, donated 3,500 life jackets to the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).

The donation was made by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola at LASWA’s headquarters, the Five Cowries Terminal, Falomo in Lagos.

The event was a testament to the campaign on safety of passengers and enhancing inland water transportation on Lagos waterways.

The event featured a live demonstration on the proper use of life jackets.

Represented by the Director of Maritime Services, Mercy Ilori, the Minister said the initiative highlights the importance of safety on waterways and step up efforts to unlock the vast economic potential of the blue economy.

“It gives me great pleasure to witness this important event, aimed at advancing the national initiative of enhancing safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways. I extend sincere appreciation to the Government of Lagos State, led by His Excellency Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his effort and zeal in redefining water transportation in the state. It is well noticed and quite commendable.

“I also extend my appreciation to the good people of Lagos State. Indeed, excellence is your workforce, and you have demonstrated it again. Your warm reception and hospitality are quite appreciable. Thank you once again for having us around.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the distribution of life jackets in Lagos State is a timely and important initiative to foster a culture of safety on our waterways, particularly in communities where water transport is an essential part of daily life. This campaign has been conducted in Niger State, Bayelsa, Anambra, and Akwa Ibom.

“And so today we are here, and we will move to other littoral states in the coming weeks. The challenges posed by water are significant and often undetected, as fatalities across the country remain a grave concern to the government. Many of these mishaps are preventable and often arise from the neglect of basic safety measures, particularly the use of life jackets.

“It is in recognition of this that the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President of Nigeria, to support life-saving interventions and bring about tangible change in the nation’s waterways. Our commitment is to end the avoidable loss of lives on Nigerian waterways.”

Responding, Lagos Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the state has received a boost in the transportation sector. He said, “I am so happy today that we have this initiative from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

“It will not only boost safety, but it will also help extend our reach to many private operators who have, over time, faced challenges in obtaining these life jackets.

“One thing that I can assure you is that it’s also going to give people reassurance. What we have noticed is that some people have a phobia of water, but the moment they start seeing intentional moves on the waterways—more life jackets, better boats on the waterways—we will be able to secure the waterways and free our roads from congestion.”

In their Goodwill messages, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Dr Bola Oyebamiji, NIWA Lagos Area Manager, Engr Sarat Braimah, and LASEA General Manager, Damilola Emmanuel applauded the gesture of the federal government about the donation.