As part of the efforts by the present administration to ensure safety on our waterways, the State Government, in collaboration with Total Nigeria Plc, has distributed 2,400 Life Jackets to pupils in five schools in the riverine area of Amuwo Odofin Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of the State.
The Managing Director, Lagos State Waterways Authority, Miss. Abisola Kamson, while handing over the life jackets to school representatives and boat operators at the Sabo Koji Jetty, said the gesture was part of the Agency’s Safety Awareness Initiative and commitment of Total Nigeria Plc to the improvement of safety on the waterways.
While noting that the Life Jackets were specifically made for children and attached with several safety features such as a whistle, safety lock and reflective stripe amongst others to alert rescue team in an emergency situation, Kamson appealed to all operators of ferry services and students to always make use of the Life Jackets when commuting on the waterways.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Oluseyi Whenu represented by the Director, Transport Operations, Engr. Adebola Matanmi said water transportation is an integral component of the development of the State’s inter-modal transport system, hence the establishment of the Agency to ensure safety on the waterways as well as provide enabling environment for Water Transportation to thrive in line with international best practices.
He emphasized that the present administration is doing everything possible to further promote water transportation in the State because the physical environment of Lagos is well-suited to accommodate it, but added that there is a need for all, especially school pupils in the area, to abide by all safety regulations and precautions when travelling on the waterways.
