Cynthia Ezegwu
The Kwara State Government has begun full enforcement of its “no life jacket, no entry” policy across waterways in the state, declaring the safety of residents who rely on water transport as “non-negotiable.”
The initiative commenced on Monday as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq supervised the distribution of 2,500 life jackets to five riverine local government areas—Moro, Kaiama, Patigi, Edu and Baruten—during an event at the Ipata-Jebba Water Front in Moro LGA.
According to a statement by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Alabere Ahmed Babatunde, the governor, represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, John Bello, said citizen safety remains a core component of the state’s socio-economic development agenda.
“Rivers in the state hold vast economic potential for fishing, inter-city trade and commerce. These life jackets must be judiciously used by boat operators and passengers to prevent recurring boat mishaps. The state will continue to prioritise safety while building a sustainable environment for economic growth,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.
Commissioner for Transportation, Lafia Aliyu Kora Sabi, said the distribution was a lifeline for riverine communities whose livelihoods depend on waterways. He noted that recent boat accidents, especially in Patigi, had led to tragic loss of lives, stressing that the governor’s gesture demonstrated his commitment to preventing further incidents.
Kora Sabi also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for supporting the state with the life jackets, adding that the Ministry would ensure transparent and accountable distribution.
Chairman of the Kwara State House Committee on Transport, Lawal Ayansola Saliu, assured that the legislature would continue to strengthen regulatory mechanisms to enforce safety standards in water transportation and ensure government interventions reach intended beneficiaries.
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Representing the Moro Local Government Chairman, Maryam Omotayo Wasiu, the Council Secretary, Nura Muhammed, described the intervention as timely, saying it would enhance the economic value chain for fishermen and farmers in Jebba and neighbouring communities.
A community youth leader, Azeez Akanbi Arisekola, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the governor for the continued support. He noted that previous donations of fibre speedboats by the state government had already reduced waterway accidents, and called for collaboration between the state and the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPERDEC) to construct concrete embankments around the Jebba water region to curb flooding.
The event featured demonstrations on proper life jacket usage, safety sensitisation sessions, and an inspection tour of the riverbank.