Distribute across five LGAs
By Ajewole Joshua|ABNews| August 27, 2025
The Kwara State Government has taken a bold step to improve water safety as it officially distributed 1,000 life jackets to boat operators in five riverine local government areas of the state.
The initiative, part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and executed under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration, is aimed at reducing cases of drowning and ensuring safer transportation for residents who rely heavily on waterways for their daily movements.
Speaking during the presentation in Ilorin, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Jibril Manma Saba, represented by Mrs. Balogun Raliat Motunrayo, said the donation reflects the government’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, especially in rural communities where water transport is crucial.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Lafia Aliyu Kora-Sabi, noted that the life jackets were provided by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. He assured that the items would be fairly distributed to boat operators in Kaiama, Baruten, Moro, Edu, and Patigi local governments.
“This gesture is about saving lives. Every passenger should wear a life jacket before boarding a boat. Safety comes first,” he stressed.
Also present at the ceremony were the Commissioners for Communications, Hon. Bola Olukoju; Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Abdullahi Bata; chairmen of the beneficiary LGAs; transport union leaders; and boat operators.
In her goodwill message, Commissioner Olukoju, represented by Mr. Olanrewaju Ademola, described the event as another milestone in Governor AbdulRazaq’s people-centered governance. She advised residents in lowland riverine areas to consider relocating upstream during peak flooding seasons for their safety.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Salau Kabir Abdullahi, emphasized that simple safety measures like using life jackets can prevent needless tragedies on waterways.
Boat operators and local leaders expressed gratitude to both federal and state governments, pledging to enforce proper use of the jackets. Mallam Abubakar Yakub, Chairman of Boat Operators in Kwara, said: “This support came at the right time. We promise to make sure no passenger boards without wearing a life jacket.”
The event also featured a technical session, where experts demonstrated how to properly wear and maintain life jackets, as well as emergency steps to take in case of a boat mishap.
With this intervention, the Kwara government hopes to build a culture of safety among waterway users and drastically reduce boat-related casualties in the state.
