Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has handed 1,000 life jackets to the people of Patigi, a riverine community in the state.
AbdulRazaq handed the life jackets to the Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Umar Bologi II, shortly after a meeting with some first class monarchs who had come to the government House, Ilorin, the Kwara state capital to brief him on some security issues and general wellbeing of the people.
The governor said a similar gesture will be extended to Edu local government and other riverine areas to promote safe water travel in the state.
“This is only a phase of donation of lifejackets to people of Patigi Local Government. We will also move to Edu local government to make sure we have adequate life-saving equipment for our people along the banks of River Niger and within the riverine communities in the state. It is a continuous process and health and safety issue concern being addressed,” he said.
Etsu Patigi, Alh Umar Bologi II, thanked AbdulRazaq for taking “wonderful steps” to protect his subjects, adding that this will go a long way to avert recurrence of boat mishap in the area.
“On behalf of myself and entire people of Patigi Emirate Council, we want to sincerely thank His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for this wonderful donation of lifejacket to our people at riverine areas who are mostly farmers and fishermen,” he said.
“Thank you very much, Your Excellency, and we pray Almighty Allah to guide and protect you and continue to uplift your government and see you succeed.”
LEADERSHIP reports that the state government had recently sent a team to the Lagos Office of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) as part of its ongoing efforts to boost water travel and safety.