Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has flagged off the clearing of waterways and distribution of 1,500 life jackets to communities in riverine areas to protect passengers during boat mishaps.
During the flag-off in Okitipupa local government area of the state, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the move is to guide against negative outcomes in the event of any unfortunate incident on the state’s waterways .
According to available statistics, several boat accidents happened across Nigeria in the year 2024 with statistics showing that at least 231 lives were lost in the deadly incidents. The development has raised concern among different stakeholders on the safety of the country’s waterways.
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To check this trend in Ondo state, Governor Aiyedatiwa represented by his Special Adviser on Transport, Gbenga Omole is taking proactive measures to prevent such by regulating water transport and ensuring passenger safety, with a promise that the safety exercise on the state’s waterways would be carried out in the four riverine local government areas of Ilaje, Ese-odo, Okitipupa, and Itele.
The various communities while reacting to the development appreciated the State Government for the initiative.
It is the belief of the State Government that water transportation can be safe, smooth and devoid of any barriers.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
