Bayelsa State’s statewide waterways safety initiative has gained new momentum as the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in partnership with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), took its awareness drive to Oporoma and Amassoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. The campaign carries a firm directive: “No Life Jacket, No Boat Entry.”
The exercise, led by Honourable Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. (Mrs.) Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin, aligns with Governor Douye Diri’s push to institutionalize a safety-first culture across the state’s creeks, rivers, and jetties.
At Oporoma, the campaign was received by the Council Chairman, Hon. Target Isaiah Segibo, members of the council, and Hon. Moses Marlon, representing Southern Ijaw Constituency 3 in the State Assembly. In Amassoma, the Acting Amananowei, HRH Godwill Akedesuo, and the Council of Chiefs mobilized community leaders and residents to embrace the safety directive.
Dr. Zibs-Godwin emphasized that the campaign is a lifesaving mission, not a ceremonial event. She stated that safety on the waterways must be non-negotiable, with life jackets serving as the essential protection for both operators and passengers. Boarding a boat without a life jacket, she stressed, must never be allowed.
The campaign featured live demonstrations of safe boating practices, structured distribution of life jackets, and educational sessions on water safety. Officials from NIWA, including Bayelsa Area Manager Mr. Baba Spencer and Principal Technical Officer I (Marine) Mr. Bitrus Solomon Dangoje, partnered with the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Bayelsa Chapter, led by Comrade Ogoriba Ipigansi, to amplify the campaign’s impact.
Having reached communities from Brass to Ogbia, Ekeremor to Nembe, and now Southern Ijaw, the state government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that every riverine community adopts safety as a way of life.
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
📩 info@stonereportersnews.com | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNews
Add comment
Comments