By Dare Akogun
The Kwara State Government has again reaffirmed it’s commitment to the safety and well-being of citizens and residents of the state.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Mallam Shehu Ndanusa Usman stated this today, at ceremony attended by dignitaries including traditional leaders, where the government donated boats and life jackets to Patigi and Lafiagi communities in Patigi and Edu local government areas of the state respectively.
The presentation which was at the instance of the Governor Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi ll and the Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Muhammad Kudu Kawu, aims to enhance water transportation safety, particularly during the rainy season, and bolster disaster management efforts in the state.
According to the Commissioner; “Today marks another milestone in the history of Kwara State since inception in 1967.
“You would recall that during the last boat mishap involving more than one hundred people His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq during his condolences visit, promised to find a lasting solution to the mishap and today we are witnessing promise fulfilled with the donation of standard boats and life Jackets, two for Patigi and two for Lafiagi.
“The gesture was also extended to Kwara State Fire Service, who also received a boat and Life Jackets, for an overall disaster management in the state”, he added.
“It is important to emphasize that these actions were prompted by the generosity of our people’s Governor AbdulRazaq, with the aim of alleviating the recurring water mishaps that have resulted in the loss of lives and properties among our people.
“We believe that with the provision of five standardized eighteen-seaters boats, equipped with life jackets for passengers on board, the issue of boat mishaps will become a thing of the past in Patigi, Lafiagi and environs,” he noted.
He therefore urged all the beneficiaries to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations when boarding the boats, in order to avoid mishaps charging them to continue to support the present administration, in its efforts to deliver dividends of democracy, to the good people of the Kwara State.
In their separate remarks, the Etsu Patigi, His Royal Highnesses, Etsu Ibrahim Umar Bologi ll and the Emir of Lafiagi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammad Kudu Kawu commended the initiative of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on disaster management by promptly redeeming their pledge on the donation of 4 Boats and life Jackets to both Patigi and Lafiagi communities.
They promised their unflinching support for Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq led administration at all times.
In the same vein, the State Director, Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa was full of gratitude to the state government, with an assurance that his directorate will continue to deliver efficient services to the people of the state, whenever the occasion calls.
Some of the dignitaries at the presentations include; the Transition Implementation Committee Chairman of Patigi Local Government, Alhaji Ibrahim Liman, Special Adviser on Youth Engagement, Hon. Umar Muhammad Attairu and Tsada of Lafiagi, Alhaji Ahmed Ndake and Principal officers from the Ministry as well as Kwara State Fire Service Officers, among others.
