By Abdullahi Lukman
The Kwara State government has received 1,000 life jackets from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as part of a national initiative to enhance safety on waterways in riverine communities.
The life jackets will be distributed to communities in Patigi, Edu, Baruten, Kaiama, and Moro Local Government Areas.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by the Director of Maritime Services, Dr. Mercy Ilori, presented the items on Friday in Ilorin.
He announced that an additional 2,500 life jackets will be delivered soon.
Oyetola described the effort as a strategic measure to reduce boat accidents, often caused by poor safety practices like the failure to wear life jackets.
He emphasized that safety on water remains a key concern, and the ministry is working through enforcement of Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023, public education, and distribution of life-saving gear.
Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Mamman Jibril, who represented the governor, urged communities to make use of the jackets rather than storing them away.
He commended the federal government and the ministry for prioritizing the safety of riverine dwellers.
Kwara State Commissioner for Transportation, Aliyu Kora-Sabi, highlighted that the initiative reflects the commitment of President Bola Tinubu and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to protecting citizens’ lives through practical safety measures.
