FG Flags-Off Distribution Of Life-Jackets In Bayelsa , As Diri Commits To Construction Of Agge Deep Seaport
The Federal Government has flagged-off the sensitization and distribution of 3500 life jackets in Bayelsa State, as part of activities to protect life of waterway travelers in 12 coastal states across the country.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, who performed the flag-off at the Banquet hall, Yenagoa, expressed delight at the developmental efforts of Governor Douye Diri across Bayelsa State, particularly establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as well as the on-going construction of the Agge Deep SeaPort, pledging the Federal Government’s commitment to seeing the project through, describing the gesture as keying into the vision of President Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s policy.
Governor Diri noted that oil and gas does not solely constitute the wealth of the state as the State Government is preparing grounds to tap the resources in the Atlantic.
“We have for long abandoned marine and blue economy and I am happy that Mr. President for the first time has now brought to the fore the wealth in our country and we as happy as a coastal state.
“From every flank of our state, we are hitting the atlantic ocean and it’s a state of rivers and rivulets. All the three senatorial districts lead to the atlantic ocean. We cannot behave less than work hand in gloves with you, partner with you to achieve the dreams of the President”, he said.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, former military administration of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, Secretary to Government, Professor Nimibofa Ayawei, Chief of Staff Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe, Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Faith Izibenua Zibs- Godwin, Chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo and others.
Recall that the Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, officially flagged-off the distribution of 42,000 life jackets to waterway users across 12 selected riverine states in the country.
The flag-off and awareness campaign was launched at Government House in Minna, Niger State capital in a bid to stop avoidable deaths during boat accidents on the Inland Waterways.
According to the Minister, the initiative is one of the most comprehensive federal responses implemented through the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to safeguarding the lives of Nigerians plying the waterways.
Oyetola said, the first phase of this strategic safety intervention by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, each beneficiary states will receive 3,500 life jackets emphasizing that, the life jackets distribution is a proactive, life-saving response to the recurring boat accidents.
“This event transcends mere ceremony; it embodies our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians who rely daily on our inland waterways,”.
The Managing Director/CEO of NIWA Bola Oyebamiji FCIB said, NIWA under the strategic guidance of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy represent yet another significant stride in our unwavering commitment to ensure safety, security and awareness across Nigeria’s Inland Waterways.
Also, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, lauded the Minister for launching the campaign in Niger State.
“The state government is determined to address this issue frontally through strict enforcement and proactive intervention,” he said.
The Commissioner for Transport Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta, expressed appreciation of the State Government to Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, for also donating three passenger boats, a water ambulance, and a patrol boat, through the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).