Clockwise: Scene of a boat mishap, Gov Dapo Abiodun and Dr Gani Tarzan Shekoni(ATBOWATON)Water transporters and maritime stakeholders who yesterday attended in droves the formal handing-over ceremony of Federal Government’s donated lifejackets to Ogun State Government for onward transmission to its end users, left the state Ministry of Transportation, the venue of the event disillusioned and miserable.
The water boat transporters who came from nooks and crannies of the state were led to the event by the National President of the Association of Tourist Boats and Water Transporters Of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), Dr Gani Tarzan Shekoni Balogun alongside other executives and sectional heads.
They came in hired vehicles adorned with banners emblazoned with the logo of their association to the venue hoping to go home with the lifejackets meant to arrest the rising mishaps on water in the country and ensure safety of those plying the inland waterways.
They were however disappointed as Ogun State Government refused to give the donated items to their association, insisting that Federal Government brought only one thousand out of the 3,500 lifejackets allotted to the state and that the lifejackets would be distributed after the collection of the remaining lot.
Visibly angered by the turn of event, the water transport operators besieged their President, Dr Tarzan Balogun, demanding explanation for it all.
Dr. Balogun quietened them, assuring them that it was not a ploy to deprive them, the end users, of the items as the State Government would call them again when Federal Government has completed supplying the 3,500 lifejackets allotted to the state.
Meanwhile, during his speech at the formal handing-over of the materials by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to the State Government, Dr. Ganiyu Balogun, appreciated both entities for providing the life jackets to operators.
He gave assurances that operators would be sensitised to enforce the mandatory use of life jackets by all passengers.
Speaking at the symbolic flag-off ceremony at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Transportation, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Governor Dapo Abiodun reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to strengthening safety protocols on its waterways.
Governor Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Olugbenga Dairo, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the life-saving gesture to riverine and coastal communities across the country.
The Governor expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and commitment to the safety and prosperity of Nigerians, noting that this continued to inspire confidence across the nation.
He added that safety on waterways was not a privilege but a right, describing the initiative as an investment in human capital development, which aligns with the pillars of the ISEYA Mantra of his administration.
The State Helmsman assured of Ogun State’s continued collaboration with the Federal Ministry on developing marine infrastructure, enforcing safety standards and advancing the blue economy.
In his remarks, Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by the Director of Marine Services, Dr. (Mrs.) Mercy Ilori, pointed out that the life jacket distribution and awareness campaign was designed to ensure that all waterways users could navigate safely and confidently.
He urged all boat operators and ferry associations to adopt the proper use of life jackets, emphasising that: “Wearing a life jacket is not an inconvenience; it is a shield. Please enforce its use among passengers and lead by example. Embrace the slogan: No life jacket, no entry”.
He noted that Ogun State’s expansive network of rivers and creeks, especially around the Ijebu Waterside and Yewa areas play a vital role in the everyday lives of residents by supporting mobility, trade and cultural exchange not only within the State but also with neighboring States and Countries.
He pointed out that the waterways were more than just transit routes, they sustain livelihoods, commerce and inter-community ties.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Transportation, Hon. Igbalaye Ayodele, advised all stakeholders to make use of the life jackets rather than abandon them, emphasising that they were for their safety.
In a goodwill message, Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, represented by Engr. Elsie Egwuatu, advised waterway operators to keep the life jackets clean and presentable so as to encourage passengers to use them. She urged passengers to see the jackets as personal flotation devices essential for their safety in the event of any mishap on the water.
In her welcome address, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mrs. Aderonke Tokunbo-Peter, described the event as a pivotal step towards enhancing public safety and the welfare of those who rely on inland waterways for their daily activities.
She emphasised that the collaboration between Ogun State and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy aligns with the State’s Strategic Transportation Master Plan.
It would be recalled that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, led by its Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola had announced the distribution of 42,000 life jackets to waterway users across 12 riverine states in Nigeria, Ogun State inclusive.
The jacket donation was part of the initiatives of the ministry to improve safety on inland waterways and reduce boat accidents.
Each of the 12 selected states received 3,500 life jackets in the first phase of the distribution.
Target beneficiaries of the donation, according to Government included
Waterway users, fishermen, traders, students, and transport operators.
The ministry is also working to promote public education and awareness about the importance of using life jackets.
