FG donates 1,000 life jackets to Kwara riverine communities

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin –

The Kwara State Government has received 1,000 life jackets from the Federal Government as part of efforts to enhance water transportation safety across riverine communities in Nigeria. The donation targets communities in Patigi, Edu, Baruten, Kaiama, and Moro local government areas.

Presenting the items in Ilorin, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by the Director of Maritime Services, Dr. (Mrs.) Mercy Ilori, disclosed that an additional 2,500 life jackets would be delivered soon.

Ilori said the initiative is aimed at making water transport safer and more reliable. She emphasized that boat mishaps, often caused by poor safety practices like not wearing life jackets, remain a recurring tragedy in Nigeria.

She urged all boat and ferry operators to prioritize safety and ensure passengers wear life jackets at all times. “Wearing a life jacket is a responsibility,” she stressed.

Ilori noted that the Ministry is acting through three key pillars: strict enforcement of Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023, sustained public education on safety, and provision of life-saving equipment such as life jackets.

The initiative is one of several practical steps by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to prevent avoidable loss of lives during water travels.

In his remarks, Secretary to the Kwara State Government, Prof. Mamman Saba Jibril, who represented the Governor, expressed gratitude for the donation and urged the benefiting communities to make effective use of the jackets.

He called on boat operators to take ownership of the safety campaign by ensuring that passengers consistently use the life jackets provided.